Posted By Charles New
Can anyone tell me if churches are exempt from requiring fire escape signs, and fire extinguishers etc inside the church itself.What about fire risk assessment?
Thanks in advance.

Posted By David J Bristow
Charles

My understanding is that if the church is used for the sole purpose of worship then they are exempt.

However, if they use any part of the church for any activity not involving worship, such as coffee mornings, creche, meetings etc etc then they have to comply.

Hope this helps.

Regards




David B

Posted By Andy Lightbody
I generally agree with Ken's advice having been involved in advising a certain 'army' on the position with the Fire Regs.

The difficulty is that HSE state that whilst certain situations may not be deemed a workplace i.e there is not an employer/employee relationship, there is usually an Undertaking by parties and as such the HASWA and Management Regs apply requiring the Fire Risk Assessment.

By an undertaking I mean, the Church/Charitable Trust undertakes to provide quarters for the minister/priest/major etc free of charge and also a place of worship for them and their congregation. These are therfeore generally subject to the same rules as a workplace but not to the full extent.

In addition, the reason that churches and their halls etc do not require Certification is that the wording of the Fire Precautions Act is rigid and not expanded upon. It states that if the main use of the premises is a place of worship they are exempt. Consequently, as long as a prayer is said during any event :mothers & toddlers, coffee mornings, band practice etc (outwith the scope of full worship) then this is classified as an act of worship and exempt.