FIRE RISK ASSESSMENTS

INTRODUCTION

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came into operation in October 2006. It applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales including common parts of blocks of flats or houses with multiple occupancy.

The requirements of the law applies to you if you are:

• Responsible for business premises
• An employer or self employed with business premises
• Responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is used solely for business purposes
• A Charity or Voluntary organisation
• A contractor with a degree of control over any premises.

You are required to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and to implement and maintain a Fire Management Plan.

Naturally, the law does not expect everyone to be competent person to carry out such an assessment and you are allowed to engage a Competent Person to carry out the assessment and prepare the Plan for you. As there are severe penalties for not completing an assessment, preparing a plan based on that assessment and/or maintaining it, most companies look to employ such a person.

ERIF offers such a service through a professional and highly experienced member of staff who also oversees our Training for Fire Marshalls and Fire Safety Training Courses for staff. (see Training)

Contact us if you need advice and guidance on the most cost effective way of making the workplace safe from fire. Failure to meet the requirements of the RRO can result in the premises being closed down.

Already a large number of prosecutions have taken place under the Order with fines varying. With an average fine of around £7,000 being imposed, the addition of prosecution and defence costs can escalate the total to over £10,000.

Link www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/firesafetylaw/