3 Responses

1. No, there is no legal requirement
   There is no legal requirement in health and safety legislation to pre-warn a pregnant employee prior to a fire drill. It would defeat the object. Employers are legally obliged to conduct health and safety risk assessments for anyone likely to be on the premises, including and especially pregnant women, and to inform those affected of the outcome of the risk assessment. Therefore a pregnant employee should be aware that risks to them in the event of a fire or fire drill have been assessed. In the event of a fire drill the employer should ensure that any necessary help to leave the premises is provided to anyone who needs it.

   The chat forum on the IOSH website is very useful for health and safety issues.

   http://www.iosh.co.uk/index.cfm?go=discussion.main

2. Fire Drills and pregnancy
   Hi

   I agree with Eddie there is no requirement to inform them of impending drills. However, as stated it is the employers duty to ensure that risk assessments are carried out.

   Also when having a drill the Fire Wardens will or should know about staff that could pose a risk and should therefore ensure that those persons health etc is not compromised.

   Cheers

   Tony Harvey-Bacon

3. Thanks
   Thank you both for your responses.