Since the 1st October 2006 the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force and replaces over 118 previous Fire at Work statues, including fire certificates. This legislation applies to the majority of premises and workplaces in the UK and firmly places the responsibility for compliance on a responsible person. This nominated person is responsible for carrying out and producing a risk assessment for the premises, create a policy and use this to develop procedures, provide staff training and practice fire drills and evacuations.
It is the responsibility of the responsible person to provide clear means of escape, signs and notices, fire detection and alarms, emergency lighting and the appropriate fire fighting equipment. If the responsible person does not comply with the RRFSO 2005 they could be prosecuted possibly facing a fine/prison sentence as well as putting their customers, staff, stakeholders and livelihood at risk. For more information on the RR(FS)O CLICK HERE to view the legislation in full.
Your local fire and rescue service is responsible for enforcing legislation; they can audit your premises and will look at your risk assessment to see if it effectively covers your premises.
