New Fire Regulations

The primary objective of the fire regulation must be to save lives and reduce damage to property. Simple, isn't it? So why is compliance perceived to be so cumbersome and costly?

Lawyers

The current regime

• The current law relating to fire is scattered across many statute books
• The regime is difficult to understand and compliance can be complex

Change to the Law

• The difficulties have given rise to change
• All fire certificates will be abolished
• Responsibility for compliance will no longer lie with fire authority …

So what?

You will automatically assume statutory duties if:

• You own vacant premises, or
• You occupy and/or control premises
• What duties does the new law impose?
• You will be required to carry out fire risk assessment and take steps to reduce or remove any fire risk
• You must comply with fire safety duties
• You must provide information and training to employees
• Failure to comply with new law can lead to….
• Service of an enforcement notice requiring remedial action
• Restricted or prohibition from using the premises
• An alterations notice could require the carrying out of significant works
• More seriously, a CRIMINAL OFFENCE punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment will have been committed

When does the new law kick in?

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order is due on the statute books at the end of June 2005
• Formal guidance will be available from January 2006
• The Order is due to come into force on 1 April 2006

What you need to do now

• Start to think about the risk of fire at your premises
• Consider whether any works will be required to get up to standard and budget accordingly
• Educate your employees and health and safety personnel about the forthcoming changes