Fire Precautions legislation is due to change in 2006 with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in England and Wales. The RRFSO is the biggest change to fire safety for over 30 years and is intended to simplify fire safety requirements by replacing 118 separate pieces of legislation. Fire Certificates will be abolished and the RRFSO requires that the ‘responsible person’ of the premises takes the necessary measures to ensure safety of all people that he /she is either directly or indirectly responsible for.

The ‘responsible person’ is the person(s) who has control of any part of the premises eg. occupier or owner. It is crucial to establish who the ‘responsible person’ is (ignorance is no excuse) as they are personally responsible under the RRFSO, and need to ensure completion of Fire Safety Risk Assessments, produce the fire safety policy and procedures, provide staff training and conduct fire drills. Some premises will also require a Fire Strategy including scaled fire plans.

All clients can avail of the following on-going support:

• telephone advice line (24/7) – our experienced advisers can offer practical advice
• monthly newsletter updates (by email)
• technical briefings (current legislation and case law)
• accident investigations (including liasing with enforcement authorities)

‘failure to comply with the RRFSO could lead to considerable fines and / or imprisonment’

The purpose of the risk assessment is to identify the risks that are present at your premises and then to eliminate, control, avoid, transfer or accept these risks. Consideration is given to key factors such as the public, your employees, volunteers, use of building, its structure and fixtures and fittings. If you employ five or more people you must record your risk assessment and any significant findings.

The RRFSO will apply to virtually all premises, for example:

• offices and shops
• premises that provide care
• community halls
• common areas of houses of multiple occupation
• pubs, clubs and restaurants
• schools
• tents and marquees
• hotels and hostels
• factories and warehouses

For FREE advice and a no-obligation Quotation Contact Us.