Changes in Fire Safety Regime

New Fire Safety Regime

This represents 'good practice'.

There are two main pieces of fire legislation in place at present:

• Fire Precautions Act 1971 relating to Fire Certificates and escape from premises in the event of fire. and
• Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 covering most workplaces and are concerned with general fire precautions and the need to complete fire risk assessments.

The introduction of the 2005 Order will mean that both pieces of legislation will be abolished.

The most significant aspects of the 2005 Order cover:

• The responsibility for complying will fall to the 'responsible person' for the premises. In a workplace, this will be the employer and any other person who may have control over any part of the premises e.g. the occupier or owner.
• The responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment (Note: you should already have fire risk assessments in place) in order to identify the general fire precautions. These are measures that:
o Reduce the risk of fire or spread of fire on the premises.
o Concern the means of escape.
o Ensure the means of escape can be safely and effectively used.
o Concern the means for fire fighting on the premises.
o Concern the means for detecting and giving warning of fire. and
o Concern the arrangements for action to be taken in the event of fire, including instruction and training of employees.
• The assessment will need to pay particular attention to any group of people that may be especially at risk e.g. the disabled.
• The responsible person must take precautions to ensure the safety of his employees and other relevant persons on the premises e.g. customers.

Note: If you have already carried out recorded fire risk assessments and can demonstrate through records the maintenance of fire equipment and training of staff then you may already meet the general requirements.

Do not wait for the changes to come into force ensure you comply by being proactive and putting the actions necessary to comply in place now.

If you are not sure whether you comply or have fire risk assessments in place or need assistance with any other health and safety issues please contact:

SFMTA Health and Safety Advisor:
The National Health & Safety Company on Tel: 01506418210 or Email: [email protected]
You must quote the unique reference – 715SMFTA and give your company name.