New Changes to Fire Safety Legislation Could Impact Business Owners
20 Sep 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
From 1st of October new fire safety legislation comes into effect. This will mean that many businesses and building owners need to check if and how this affects them to ensure they are complying with the regulations.
The main changes are:
• All businesses will need to record a fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements in full – regardless of the number of employees, and size or type of business.
• There are increased requirements for cooperation and coordination between responsible persons in multi occupied buildings or those where the occupier and owner are not the same person.
• In residential buildings with two or more domestic premises residents must be provided with information on the risks from fire and the fire safety measures provided to keep them safe.
Richard Leighton, group manager for the Fire Safety Department said: “It’s important that businesses know about the changes that will come into effect at the start of next month, so they aren’t caught out.
“These changes will affect businesses that may not have had to consider fire safety to the same extent as they now must. We urge all businesses to record their fire risk assessments and fire safety arrangements before the legislation comes into effect on the 1st of October – no matter the size of their business.
“We’ll always look to help businesses where possible, and whilst it is up to the person responsible for the premises to do their own fire risk assessment, we are able to advise how to keep your business safe from fire and remain compliant with the law.”
Gavin Tomlinson NFCC’s Protection and Business Safety Committee Chair said “Fire and rescue services are committed to helping all types of businesses reduce the risk of fire in the workplace and be compliant with fire safety law. We don’t expect businesses to be experts that’s’ why we are here to provide help and advice. “We encourage any business to work with their fire service to help prevent fires to help them remain productive, safe and legal.”