Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Provide technical and professional advice on the management of fire safety to all levels of management, staff and design consultants.

To act independently in the management of fire safety risk issues in response to issues raised up to and including the authority to require the cessation of work by in-house staff and contractors if warranted.

To ensure the implementation of corrective work in areas where fire risk assessments have highlighted remedial work is needed or where fire safety risk to personal and property has been identified.

To visit each of the premises on a regular basis to ensure standards of fire prevention and safety are maintained.

To ensure that fire precautions meet the standards set out in documents issued by the Department of Health and with other statutory requirements and recommendations of relevant code of practice.

To report all deviations from the standards statutory requirements and codes of practice to the respective management.

To provide advice on structural fire protection and safety for existing and new buildings and proposed alterations to buildings.

To review new fire legislation and regulations and, where necessary, provide briefing notes and draft policies and procedures for comment /approval by appropriate meeting groups.

To undertake fire risk assessments in all premises managed by the Trust. 

Prepare reports and prioritise action plans following risk assessments. As appropriate, implement the proposals outlined in the action plan and/or assist in the co-ordination/implementation of the action plan.

Monitor the implementation of the action plan and report any deviations from the plan to the appropriate management.

To give instruction, lectures and practical training to all levels of NHS staff.

To provide, as required, induction training of new staff in fire precautions and procedures

To instruct staff in fire precautions, use of fire-fighting appliances and all other fire protection methods.

To give instruction on patient and personnel evacuation

To arrange and carry out fire drills/evacuations annually at agreed times in conjunction with the Premises Manager/Hospital Manager, etc.

Being a Trust contact with the local Fire Authority.

To ensure that the Fire Authority is informed about any special fire or life risk, even if only of a temporary nature, and that they are advised of changes in conditions or situations of any such risk.

In collaboration with Trust Estates services, ensure that all fire-fighting equipment is maintained and available for use at all times.

To carry out selective testing of equipment as required ensuring fully operational. This shall include fire alarms and detectors, extinguishers, emergency lighting, etc.

To keep a record of all training visits made, drills carried out and risk assessments throughout all healthcare premises.

To advise managers/personnel departments, as appropriate, of staff attendance at fire lectures, training sessions, etc.

Provide statistics and an annual report as required.

In the event of a fire, attend site during working hours and undertake an investigation as to the cause and, if appropriate, put forward proposals to reduce the risk of a recurrence.

To prepare and submit reports relating to fires and unwanted signals.

To prepare ad hoc reports when required by the Health and Safety Manager and/or Head of Health and Safety and Fire.

Attend and contribute to Team meetings and training sessions.

Support regular and ad hoc meetings, as required (i.e. Trust Fire Oversight Group