CHANGES IN FIRE SAFETY LAW
In all non-domestic premises

From 1 October 2006, a single fire safety law replaces the existing laws. The new law affects most premises except private houses.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to:

• All employers
• The voluntary sector
• Self employed people in non-domestic premises

The ‘responsible person’ - e.g. the employer, occupier, owner or landlord of premises - is responsible for fire safety. The onus is on the responsible person to:

• assess the risks and regularly review your fire risk assessment - to prevent fire occurring in the first place

• take practical measures to reduce, remove and identify fire risks e.g. hazardous substances or processes in the work place

• comply - premises will be subject to inspection by appointed enforcers to check compliance with the law

Fire certificates are abolished and fire safety conditions of licence cease to apply.

Download their fire safety risk assessment guide for offices and shops from the web site of the Department for Communities and Local Government or email fire.safetyreform@communities.gov.uk

If you still feel unqualified to carry out a fire risk assessment you should appoint a competent person to assist you.

If the enforcing authority, usually the local Fire & Rescue Authority, is not satisfied with your fire safety measures they will advise the responsible person what action to take. If they find serious fault they can restrict or forbid the use of premises until you remove these dangers.