The commander of the anti-fire central schools the director of the study center and fire fighting experiences At the airport and port inspectors regarding Fire fighting At the interregional and regional inspectors of firefighters Ai provincial commanders of firefighters INTRODUCTION. Were received in this direction numerous queries regarding interpretation or application issues of the legislative decree 19 September 1994 n. 626, concerning the improvement of workers' safety and health at work, as regards the formalities for the prevention and fire protection. It must first be recalled that the Legislative Decree does not involve changes to the previous regulations on fire safety, and as' especially targeted to a different mode setting to address the safety issues at work. Innovations tend in fact to establish a permanent in company management and organic system directed to the identification, assessment, reduction and constant control of risk factors for the health and safety of workers through: the planning of activities' of consistent prevention principles and predetermined measures; the information, training and consultation of workers and their representatives; the organization of a prevention and protection service, whose tasks can be performed in some cases directly by the employer and which must be part of the workers required to implement measures for fire prevention, fire-fighting and emergency management. The previous legislation governing fire safety, therefore remains in force as a mandatory reference for the implementation of specific security measures. In drawing attention around the issue by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of the special circular to address the application of Legislative Decree n. 626/1994 (circular no. 102/95 of August 7, 1995, published in the Official Gazette no. 194 of 21 August 1995), we provide the following clarification on the main obligations imposed by Legislative Decree on fire safety, pending dell ' enactment of decrees of application of Article. 13 of the same decree. A) the fire risk rating. Fire prevention is defined by the decree of the President of the Republic July 29, 1982, n. 577, regarding interdisciplinary significance that studies and implements measures, measures, devices and modes of action aimed at reducing the probability 'of the onset of a fire and limit their consequences. The assessment of fire risk is the fundamental tool for the achievement of the purposes' above and the outcome of that assessment, together with the organizational-gestionaledi plan described in paragraph B), it forms part of the specification referred to in Article document. 4, paragraph 2, of Legislative Decree. A1) criteria to proceed to the fire risk assessment. Given that remain in the sphere of self-determinations of the employer the identification and adoption of setting criteria and implementation of a risk assessment - of which 'called to account in the first person - is believed to provide the following guidance on the criteria to undertake an evaluation of fire risks. a) Identification of the dangers. the working environment under review, to be identified all the factors that have the potential to cause damage in case of fire, such as fuels and flammable materials; ignition sources; hazardous work; construction and plant engineering deficiencies; organizational and management deficiencies. b) Identification of exposed persons. After identifying the factors that have the potential to cause damage in case of fire, it is necessary to consider the risk to which people are exposed in the workplace, with particular attention to those at special risk, since this is workers for whom, than the average worker, the risks relating to the same hazard are comparatively more subjective causes employees by the workers themselves, such as: new hires; handicapped; employees of external companies occasionally present. c) Elimination or reduction of risks. After identifying all the people exposed to the risk, you should be established for each risk factor if it can be: eliminated; reduced or replaced with more secure alternatives; or if additional fire safety measures must be taken. In this phase, in order to determine the level of reduction for each of the risks involved as well as 'endorse measures already' in place or in the process of adoption, remember: the mandatory rules (laws, regulations, decrees); circulars and directions of public administration, and in the absence of these references: good practice standards; instructions of the designers and installers; indications of prevention and protection; indications of workers; indications of international public sources; indications of consultants. d) the level of risk estimation. Having identified the risk factors and people exposed, eliminated or reduced the probability 'of occurrence of fire and the consequences, in accordance' with the legislation in force or in his absence to the extent possible, you can 'estimate the level of fire risk the workplace (residual risk), and then set up an organizational-management program for controlling and improving email security in place. A2) Purpose 'of the fire risk assessment. The process of evaluation of fire hazards is effective tool to: reduce the probability 'that may arise fire; limit their consequences; allow the evacuation from the workplace in conditions of safety; guarantee the intervention of rescuers, through the implementation, control and improvement of the following main measures: a) develop ways of safe exodus, clearly marked and free from any obstacle; b) to guarantee the established 'of the building in case of fire, at least for the time necessary to evacuate people present and to allow the intervention of rescue workers; c) provide appropriate subdivision of the working environments in relation to risk factors; d) limit the presence or use of highly flammable substances; e) carry-the-art technical systems, taking care of the periodic maintenance; f) installation of technologically safe working equipment; g) installing and securing the functionality 'of adequate detection and alarm systems in case of fire; h) installing and securing the operation of equipment and extinguishing systems; i) post at the workplace instructions and safety signs fire fighting purposes; l) prepare a plan on the procedures to be taken in case of fire, regularly monitoring its implementation; m) to ensure proper sealing of the working environments, through a constant control of the same in order to prevent the onset of fires; n) to provide appropriate information and training of staff on the risks of fire, on the measures taken to prevent them and on the procedures to be implemented in the event of an outbreak of fire. B) Organization and management of fire safety. As a result of the fire risk assessment is necessary to proceed: the designation of those involved in fire prevention, fire-fighting and emergency management in the context of prevention and protection; the program for the implementation and monitoring of the safety measures put in place, particularly with regard to: 1) measures to prevent the occurrence of a fire and its propagation (prohibitions, operating precautions, controls); 2) control and maintenance of anti-fire principals; 3) procedures to be implemented in case of fire; 4) information and training of personnel. B1) prevention measures. Many fires can be prevented by calling attention of the staff on fire hazards more 'common and imparting specific provisions in this regard, with particular reference to storage and handling of flammable materials; accumulation of waste and combustible waste; use of open flame or heat generating devices; use of installations and electrical equipment; no smoking; renovations and maintenance; areas not frequented. They also need to be implemented to ensure regular checks: the secure hold of the environments; the usability 'of the escape routes; functionality 'of fire resistant doors; visibility 'of safety signs; the safety of electrical installations. B2) Inspection and maintenance of fire-fighting. Mobile equipment (fire extinguishers), the manual shutdown systems (hose reels, fire hydrants) and automatic, the signaling systems and fire alarm, emergency lighting system, the smoke exhaust systems, should be subject to regular checks and maintenance, in accordance 'with the provisions of relevant legislation in force and where missing from the technical and from legislation instructions of the manufacturers and installers. B3) Procedures to be implemented in case of fire. As a result of the fire risk assessment, an emergency plan for the workplace must be prepared and kept up to date, which must contain, among other things in the details: a) the actions that the workers must put in place in case of fire ; b) the procedures for evacuation from the workplace to be implemented by the workers and other persons present; c) the provisions to request the intervention of firefighters and to inform them on their arrival. The emergency plan must identify an adequate number of staff responsible for supervising and monitoring the implementation of relevant procedures. The factors to be considered in drafting the action plan are: the characteristics of the area, with particular reference to exit routes; the alarm systems; the number of people present and their location; Workers at special risk (disabled, contractors, etc.). number being responsible for monitoring the implementation of the plan and assisting in the evacuation; level of training provided to staff. The plan must be based on clear written instructions and must include: a) the duties of service personnel to carry out specified tasks with regard to fire safety (telephone operators, janitors, foremen, maintenance workers, security staff, etc.) ; b) the duties of the personnel entrusted with special responsibility 'in case of fire; c) measures to ensure that all employees are informed and trained on the procedures to be implemented; d) the specific measures to be implemented in respect of workers exposed to particular risks; e) specific measures for high-risk fire areas; f) a procedure called the fire department and information on arrival and assistance during surgery. For small workplaces, the plan may 'be limited to behavioral written notices. For the workplace, belonging to different owners and located in the same building, the plan should be done in collaboration between the various occupants. For workplaces larger or complex, the plan must also include a plan in which they are listed: the planovolumetriche characteristics of the workplace (distribution and destination of the various environments, escape routes); extinguishing systems and equipment (type, number and location); location of alarms and the control panel; general electric power switch location (on-off valves of the water adduction, combustible gases and fluids). B4) Information and training. Every worker must know how to prevent a fire and the actions to be taken following a fire. And 'an obligation of the employer to provide staff with adequate information and training in this regard. reporting obligations (Art. 21 of Legislative Decree n. 626/1994) The employer must provide so that 'every worker receives adequate information on: a) fire risks attivita' turning point in the company; b) fire risks related to the specific tasks performed; c) prevention measures and fire protection adopted in the company; d) location of the escape routes and exits; e) procedures to be taken in case of fire, and in particular: actions to be taken when you discover a fire; how to operate an alarm; actions to be taken when you hear an alarm; evacuation procedures to the collection point; mode 'Call the fire department; f) the names of the workers required to implement the measures for fire prevention, fire fighting, evacuation and first aid; g) the figure of the head of the prevention and protection service. The service of prevention and protection and institutionally responsible to the attivita 'of information (art. 9, paragraph 1, letter f). Training obligations (Art. 22 of Legislative Decree no. 626/1994) The employer, managers and supervisors, within their respective functions and responsibilities, ensure that each employee receives sufficient and adequate training in fire safety , with particular reference to their jobs and for their duties. The personnel involved in fire prevention tasks, firefighting and emergency management must have specific training. Training should include, if possible, practical exercises on the use of extinguishing equipment and personal protection. The following table shows, for example, the staff in relation to related fire hazards at the workplace or in relation to the duties carried out, requires special training: staff the kitchens; insiders maintenance; receptionists; telephonists; staff handling flammable materials or equipment used in open flame; department heads, department heads; security guards, janitors; Staff of the company fire team. fire drills. In addition to training, staff need to attend regularly (at least once a year) to a fire drill to put evacuation procedures in practice. Where there are alternatives routes exodus, the exercise must be based on the assumption that one of them can not be used due to a fire. The exercise must be conducted in a more 'realistic as possible, without endangering the participants. The exercise begins from the moment the alarm is triggered and ends once you reach the collection point and the appeal made by the participants. In small workplaces, this exercise must simply involve staff in implementing the following: take exit routes; identify fire resistant doors; identify the location of the devices for raising the alarm; identify the location of fire extinguishing equipment. Fire instructions. In most workplaces, the more 'simple and easy system to provide information and instructions fire workers, and' by means of written notices bearing the essential actions to be implemented in the event that you discover a fire, you hear a alarm as well as' specific behavioral measures. * * * In conclusion, the above, in addition to providing clarifications on key requirements introduced by Legislative Decree on fire safety, is intended as a first guideline, although not exhaustive, allowing the provincial command of firefighters to provide to those concerned information and practical suggestions to implement the provisions of the decree. With subsequent provisions specific directives on the procedures will be given that the National Fire Brigade must 'put in place by reference to Articles 23 and 24 of Legislative Decree n. 626/1994. The Director General of Civil Protection CORBO