ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the principles of fire initiation, classification and spread. It outlines the principles of fire risk assessment. The chapter discusses the basic principles of fire prevention and the prevention of fire spread in buildings. It identifies the appropriate fire alarm systems and fire-fighting equipment for a simple workplace. The chapter highlights the factors which should be considered when implementing a successful evacuation of a workplace in the event of a fire. It presents fire prevention in the workplace, and how to ensure that people are properly protected if fire does occur. In 2000 the Fire Safety Advisory Board was established to reform the fire legislation to simplify, rationalise and consolidate existing legislation. The Home Office believed that process fire issues should remain with the Health and Safety at Work Act, while general fire safety should have a different legislative vehicle.
