Regulatory Reform
(Fire Safety) Order
New fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in
England and Wales came into force on 1 October 2006. If you
are:
- responsible for business premises
- an employer
- self-employed with business premises
- a charity or voluntary organisation
- contractor with a degree of control over any premises
…....then you need to act.
At the core of the legislation lies the fire risk
assessment. This is an organised appraisal of your work
activities and the workplace to enable you to identify potential
fire hazards, and to decide who (including employees and visitors)
might be in danger in the event of fire, and their location. You
will then evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide
whether the existing fire precautions are adequate, or whether more
needs to be done.
For further information please read the Communities and Local
Government (CLG)/Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) Guidance
booklet or visit the CLG Fire Safety Law website.
Information for premises providing accommodation (e.g. Bed and
Breakfasts, guest houses and self catering holiday lets). Further
details can be found in the guidance document, “Do you
have paying guests”.
Click Here to go to www.communities.gov.uk/firesafety
Enforcement
The Regulatory Reform Order covers all types of premises other
than single private dwellings. A range of outcomes are available
following an audit of your premises. This can initially take the
form of verbal advice, a written schedule, enforcement notice,
alterations notice or in exceptionally severe circumstances a
prohibition notice. Any enforcement action taken will be undertaken
within the framework of the Enforcement Management Model and in
full consultation with the Responsible Person.
The consequences of not complying with fire safety requirements
can be severe. Apart from the potential for loss of life, injury or
damage to property, it may also lead to enforcement action being
taken. The penalties are set out in legislation and will range from
a fine to a custodial sentence and may, in extreme circumstances
include both.
If you are unsure about your responsibilities, have a query or
need any advice about fire safety, please use the contact details
above.
To view the full Enforcement Policy click here
Building regulation and fire
safety
Detailed guidance is available from the CLG website. This guidance includes information for
providers of residential facilities including children's homes,
elderly and disabled persons homes and 'houses in multiple
occupation'. The Building Regulations apply to any newly built or
extended commercial premises. Part of this process is a full
consultation with the Fire & Rescue Service.
Care Quality Commission
The Commission are responsible for the registration and
inspection of care homes and children's homes.
Visit the Care Quality Commission (external
link) website http://www.cqc.org.uk/
On October 1st 2006 this legislation will be amended and be
replaced by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. This
legislation will amongst other issues, require the occupier of a
premises to carry out, or have carried out a suitable fire risk
assessment. Further details relating to the change in
legislation can be found on the CLG website.
