What health and safety and fire documentation does every business need?
Compliance with health and safety and fire safety regulations is not only a legal obligation, but also a basis for worker safety. The first thing that the health and safety inspector or fire inspector will ask for during any inspection is the mandatory documentation. But what exactly is the documentation needed to ensure that a company is in compliance? Let's look at the most important ones!
Mandatory and recommended OHS documentation
Health and safety at work rules
- Not compulsory, but highly recommended.
- It puts in writing the company's own health and safety rules, assigns responsibilities and defines internal processes.
Occupational safety and health risk assessment
- Mandatory for all employers.
- Mapping the risks of the working environment, work processes, machinery and equipment.
- It notes whether action has been taken to reduce them.
- It should include a plan of action, the steps to be taken and who is responsible.
Personal protective equipment allowance scheme
- Based on the risk assessment, determine which personal protective equipment (e.g. helmet, gloves, hearing protection) should be provided to workers.
Chemical risk assessment
- Mandatory if the company works with hazardous materials.
- It analyses the exposure of workers and determines the necessary protection measures.
Occupational safety and health education material
- All workers must receive health and safety training.
- The written material for the training must be available and documented.
Mandatory fire safety documentation
Fire safety rules
- Over 50 people are required.
- It regulates the fire safety requirements of the workplace, assigns responsibilities and defines procedures.
Fire alarm plan
- In some cases it is mandatory (e.g. in large workplaces, community buildings).
- It includes what to do in the event of a fire, the building's safety systems, who is responsible and escape route diagrams.
Fire safety operational logbook
- Required to keep records of regular maintenance and inspection of fire protection equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems).
