Legislation
The Government's stated intention is a commitment to reduce death, injury and damage caused by fire.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is the Government department that is now reviewing fire safety laws and regulations with a view to making a making a number of changes. The changes being proposed are designed to make the law less complex and easier to comply with.
These changes form the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO).
The changes only apply to non-domestic premises. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO). The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 was approved by Parliament on 7 June 2005, and wil become law on 10th October 2006.
A study conducted in 2000 showed that failure to address avoidable fires, resulting in economic loss and possibly in deaths and injuries was estimated to have cost industry some £2.2bn: (Source: Regulatory Impact Assessment)
What does this mean for me?
Fire Certificates as issued by local Fire and Rescue Services are due to be abolished and will cease to have legal status from October 2006.
The Fire Safety Order will apply only to England and Wales. ( Scotland and Northern Ireland and will have their own laws and new regulations.) It covers fire safety duties and 'general fire precautions' that are needed to protect 'Relevant Persons' in case of fire in and around most 'Premises' . The Order requires fire precautions to be put in place relevant to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable in the circumstances of the case.
The main purpose of the change is to place greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises. This includes the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes.
Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order will fall to the 'Responsible Person' . This is most likely to be the employer /or any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, eg the occupier or owner. In all other premises the person or people in control of the premises will be responsible. If there is more than one Responsible Person in any type of premises, all must take all reasonable steps to work with each other.
The Responsible Person must carry out a Fire Risk Assessment. The main aim of the Fire Risk is the safety in case of fire of all 'Relevant Persons' . The Assessment must pay close attention to those at special or increased risk, such as the disabled or people with special needs. The assessment must include consideration of any dangerous substances routinely found, stored or used on the premises. The fire risk assessment will help you identify the risks and decide the nature and extent of the general fire precautions you need to take to ensure that you protect people against any remaining fire risks and how you might further mitigate those risks.
If you employ at least five people you are legally obliged to and must record the significant findings of the assessment, this is where our service will help you.
