An employer s guide , was published on 22 July 1999 to help employers to meet their fire safety responsibilities in the workplace. The guide offers user-friendly advice that seeks to satisfy the needs of all who are caught by the Fire Regulations, irrespective of the size of their undertakings. Although the guide is primarily directed towards employers, it should nevertheless be of assistance to local managers, supervisors, employees representatives and others who need to know about fire precautions in the workplace. The Home Office recommends that fire safety officers should also be familiar with its contents and take them into account when responding to requests for advice and in their discussions with employers and others about compliance with the Fire Regulations. It should be noted that following the guidance is not compulsory.
Employers are free to take other action in order to comply with the Fire Regulations.
However, if they do follow the guidance they will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. The guide is a joint publication between the Home Office, the Scottish Executive, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland and the Health and Safety Executive. The red signpost card, which was issued to brigades in 1997, has also been withdrawn . There are no plans to revise and replace the card. They may also be obtained through The Stationery Office s accredited agents or any good bookseller.