The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force on 1 October 2006. The new rules affect all non-domestic premises.
The main effect of the changes is a move towards greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises, including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes.
Fire certificates no longer have legal status.
If you are:
- responsible for business premises
- an employer
- self-employed with business premises
- a charity or voluntary organisation
- a contractor with a degree of control over any premises
...then you need to comply with the new law.
The Fire Safety Order applies in England and Wales. It covers 'general fire precautions' and other fire safety duties which are needed to protect people 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 in the circumstances of the case.
Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order rests with the 'responsible person'. If you are the responsible person you will have to carry out a fire risk assessment which must focus on the safety in case of fire of all 'relevant persons'. It should pay particular attention to those at special risk, such as the disabled and those with special needs, and must include consideration of any dangerous substance likely to be on the premises. Your fire risk assessment will help you identify risks that can be removed or reduced and to decide the nature and extent of the general fire precautions you need to take to protect people against the fire risks that remain.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Seminars
|Kent Fire and Rescue Service is organising a series of seminars to help businesses in the county adhere to new fire safety laws.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force on 1 October. It means that any person who has some level of control in premises must take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.
To help business owners understand their duties, KFRS is holding a number of seminars around the county.
Details of seminars will be added here once they are confirmed.
Meanwhile, a series of guides and information are available from the Department of Communities and Local Government website at
http://www.firesafetyguides.communities.gov.uk |
Kent Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, The Godlands, Straw Mill Hill, Tovil,
Maidstone. Kent, ME15 6XB Tel: 01622 692121
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