The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Fire Safety Reform – ‘Are you Ready?’

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has announced New Fire Safety Laws affecting all non-domestic premises.  The new law came into force on the 1^st October 2006. 

So what are the major changes?
This new law will place a firm responsibility for ensuring that no persons are placed at an undue risk from fire.  It will achieve this, by making, in most cases, the employer the “responsible person” in Law.  The new law also places a duty on the Local Fire Authority to enforce the Law and set penalties for non-compliance.  The new law requires that the “responsible person” or their representative undertake a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment of their work place. 

Fire Strategies
The requirement for a Fire Risk Assessment must include,

· An assessment of the risk of a fire occurring.

· Detail of any measures taken to remove or reduce the  likelihood.

· Details of the Fire Alarm detection system, fire fighting arrangements and appliances, fire engineered solutions and emergency lighting.

· Details of routine maintenance checks on the above.

· Evacuation procedures.

· Staff training.

· Management arrangements for all of the above.

Record of the significant findings under the above categories.

Conclusion

As from the 1^st October 2006 the new Fire Safety Order  applied in England and Wales.  It covers general fire precautions and other fire safety duties, which are required to protect “relevant persons” in case of fire in and around most “premises”.  The Order requires fire precautions to be put in place “where necessary” and to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable to do so. 

Responsibility for complying with the Order rests with the “responsible person”.  In a workplace this is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises. 

If you are the “responsible person” the law states that you, or your appointed representative must conduct a fire risk assessment, which must focus on the safety of all “relevant persons”.  If your Organisation employs five or more people, it is licensed in any way, or an alterations notice is in force you must keep a record of the significant findings of the fire risk assessment.

With our experience and complete understanding of risk assessment, we can act as your representative to undertake on your behalf a complete and comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment and produce a record of the significant findings. In addition we are capable of resolving any potential problem areas by providing an engineered solution.  This would include a full review and maintenance programme.  Alternatively we are in a position to provide training to your own selected personnel or your nominated representative to enable them to undertake the fire risk assessment and produce a record of the significant findings. Please contact us.