Senior Fire & Safety Officer in London

Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live-event space - it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients' satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment.

Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017, the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance international. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world-class office space and over two acres of public realm.

Job Purpose: To provide advice and guidance on all fire prevention and safety procedures to all venue departments. Provide advice on all aspects of event safety to the venue management team. Carry out safety inspections as required and complete preliminary investigations of all accidents and incidents within the venue. Ensure appropriate first aid cover is provided for the venue/events. Deputise for the Group Health and Safety Manager as and when required.

Key responsibilities:

• To convey and display the Company core values of Confident, Attentive, Imaginative, Vibrant.
• Support the venue management and other departments within the Olympia venue, in all matters of fire safety and workplace safety, and provide appropriate advice as necessary.
• Comply with the current department service level agreement (SLA).
• In conjunction with the Organiser’s floor management team, liaise and provide fire and safety advice to organisers and contractors during build up and breakdown of events and complete inspection reports as necessary.
• Carry out safety briefs to all event organisers and their security teams as and when required.
• Ensure that appropriate safety signage is in place for the open period of any event.
• In support of the Group Health and Safety Manager, undertake workplace inspections to ensure contractor compliance with Olympia rules and regulations.
• Supervise the programme of testing and inspections for all venue fire safety systems. Carrying out quality assurance checks of the maintenance records for all the venue fire safety systems.
• Carry out the testing and inspections of all the venue first aid firefighting equipment and fire safety systems.
• Coordinate the completion of the PAS (Building Fire Risk Assessment) for the venue, carrying out scheduled reviews and updates.
• Liaise with the Group Health and Safety Manager on all safety matters, including venue risk assessments and improvement projects.
• Assist the Group Health and Safety Manager to carry out safety inspections and H&S audits for both venue and event activities.
• Assist the Group Health and Safety Manager to review all organisers events risk assessments (ERA’s) and relevant event safety documentation.
• Produce the annual fire and safety training programme for all employees, ensuring the training subjects are up to date with current legislation.
• Carry out first aid training for all FAAW qualified Olympia personnel.
• Coordinate the procurement of all fire safety and first aid equipment, as and when required.
• Promote Safety campaigns across the company.
• Ensure the appropriate level of fire safety and first aid cover is provided for the venue/events/exhibitions.
• Complete preliminary accident and incident investigations as required.
• Compile all venue accident/incident statistics, record on a show by show basis.
• Provide first aid when required.
• Monitor health and safety compliance during build up, operation and pull out phases of events. Inform the event organisers if any safety breaches are observed, as per the current eGuide regulations.
• Ensure a daily event safety check sheet is completed.
• Ensure that the appropriate levels of fire extinguishers are in place for each event.
• Maintain a communication link to the Olympia control room and duty manager at all times.
• Arrange and supervise the duties of all fire/first aid auxiliaries, when required as per the venue/event risk assessment.
• Liaise with the appropriate enforcement/licensing authorities when required, on issues relating to the venue fire and safety for all events.
• Control the issue of hot work permits and monitor hazardous work activities.
• Undertake fire induction training/briefing of new employees and contractors working within Olympia.
• Undertake other health and safety duties as required by the Group Health and Safety Manager.
• Respond as part of the venue IRT team for all emergency situations as per the Olympia emergency procedures.

Person specification:

• Self-motivated with the ability to positively influence and motivate others.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Good team Leader/Player, with a practical approach to problem solving and creating solutions.
• Is driven and continually strives to improve (PDP).
• Good IT skills, specifically on Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Possess appropriate qualification relating to the role of Senior Fire & Safety Officer, in all areas of H&S, Fire Safety and First Aid (NEBOSH, IOSH, NVQ, FAAW/FREC 3).
• Previous experience in the exhibition/leisure industry is advantageous.
• Good Knowledge of the events industry eGuide is advantageous.
• Only First Aid at Work (FAAW) qualified instructors to carry out this role.

Sustainability Responsibilities:

• Continuously improve your knowledge of Olympia Events’ sustainability programme - the ‘Grand Plan’. Complete all training provided and promote sustainability practices to meet our Grand Plan objectives.
• Follow and promote all sustainable workplace policies and procedures and seek ways to make your department more sustainable by taking an active role to initiate change.

Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. As a consequence, Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and expects all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over according to the changing needs of the business.