Fire Responsibility and Accountability

All levels of management must be involved in the loss control program. The frontline supervisor is the key to a successful program. Supervisors have the most control over the variables that affect both the prevention and the proper control of emergencies. Supervisory control extends to  

Developing a Safety and Health Program, Second Edition 

Supervisors have broad knowledge of the products, materials, machines, equipment, processes, buildings, storage, and day-to-day hazards of the work. They should be given the responsibility for all the fire hazards and equipment in their areas. 

Each building or area should be assigned to a specific person who clearly understands that he or she is responsible for the building and accountable for all aspects of the fire plan. This includes fire inspections and items on the inspection checklist, tools, and equipment being used by the employees. 

The way to achieve responsibility and accountability is that nothing be left to chance or to assumptions. Everything must be clearly spelled out in detail to every manager and employee. 

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