CHANGES TO THE FIRE REGULATIONS

WILL AFFECT VIRTUALLY ALL PREMISES
(EXCEPT SINGLE PRIVATE DWELLINGS)
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
As part of the Government's commitment to reduce death, injury and damage caused by fire, the safety law is changing by merging all existing fire legislation into a single order.

The new legislation is called the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) and is due to come into force in October 2006.
It applies to England and Wales and will affect virtually all premises with the exception of single private dwellings; they will also apply to certain activities taking place outdoors. There will be a government publicity campaign. Until this new Order becomes law, the current fire safety regulations will remain applicable and enforceable.

The changes: The main emphasis of the change is self-regulation. Fire certificates will be abolished and will cease to have legal status. Under the FSO the 'responsible person' for each premises, will be required to carry out a fire risk assessment and take steps to reduce or remove the risk. The risk assessment will have to take into consideration the effect a fire may have on anyone in or around the premises and it will need to be reviewed regularly to take account of any changes that may increase the risk or affect the fire safety measures.

How can you prepare for the changes?
The easiest way to ensure you are ready for the changes is to ensure that you are complying with the current Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations. The basic requirements of these current regulations are going to be carried forward into the new order. There will also be additional duties like the safety of people in the immediate vicinity of the premises and equipment provided for the safety of fire-fighters will now have to be considered.

Persons running a small to medium sized premises should be able to undertake a satisfactory risk assessment using one of the new guides* that will be available. Businesses operating in complex, larger premises may need to call on the assistance of a fire safety specialist or consultant in order to undertake a satisfactory fire risk assessment. The government are producing a series of fire safety guides for different types of premises; they should all be available by May 2006.

A Home Office Fire Advisor tells me that if you are complying with the law at present then it should make little difference. Fire Certificates will be replaced by sudden inspections by the fire authorities but there is no registration or charge for the inspections.

Further advice can be obtained from your local fire service or www.firesafetyadvisor.co.uk or www.odpm.gov.uk

A good guide can be obtained from Fire Protection Association: 'Fire Safety at Work' at www.thefpa.co.uk

A Risk Assessment proforma can be downloaded from Devon Fire Service web site: www.devfire.gov.uk

Brian Lamb
IOL Vice-Chair

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