From the 1st October 2006 new laws regarding fire protection came into force called the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO). It covers many aspects that are important to your business and premises.

The Order defines a responsible person , with whom responsibility for complying with the Order lies. In a workplace, this is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, such as the occupier or owner. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises (e.g. a multi-occupied building), all staff must take all reasonable steps to co-operate and co-ordinate with each other.

Please note that that the term 'person' is a legal term in this context and, in addition to referring to an individual it may equally refer to an incorporated company, a partnership, etc.

The nature of the RRFSO is such that responsibility is hard to avoid - indeed there may be many people (individuals, companies, etc) that all have some responsibilities under the Order. It is perfectly conceivable that a company-landlord, his owners, his key employees, a company-tenant and the tenant's owners and key employees may all be in jeopardy if the Order is not adhered to (see Offences, below).

Third-Party Fire-Safety Services and 'Safety Assistance'

The Regulations state that the responsible person must nominate one or more competent persons to assist in the undertaking of fire safety measures. Of course, in a great many cases, such competent persons will, by necessity, be external third parties that provide fire safety services (such as KW Fire Protection ).

In this respect, it is essential to note that it is the duty of the responsible person to ensure that any such third party is competent.

Risk Assessments

This Order requires the responsible person to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment and for the responsible person to also ensure that:

• The significant findings of the assessment together with all measures taken or to be taken must be recorded where there are five or more people employed.

• The Fire Risk Assessment must be reviewed regularly and, whenever there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid, or where there has been a significant change, the responsible person must also keep further records in connection with fire safety arrangements made, amongst other things.

Provision and Maintenance of Fire Fighting Equipment

The Regulations require that the responsible person ensures that:

• The relevant premises are "equipped with appropriate means for fighting fire."

• Any such equipment is "subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair".

The British Standard BS 5306-8:2000 lays down appropriate levels for the provision of portable fire extinguishers and the British Standard BS 5306-3:2003 lays down a suitable system for their maintenance.

Signage

The Regulations require that the responsible person ensures that signage must be used to indicate any "non-automatic fire-fighting equipment" and emergency routes and exits. Such signage must also meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 which still also apply in Great Britain.

Offences

There are many new offences in relation to the Order with penalties extending up to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years and/or an unlimited fine.

Timescale

The RRFSO is already law, having taken full effect from 1st October 2006. It is the duty of the responsible person to ensure full compliance with the Order.

For help and assistance with any aspect mentioned above please contact us today by email or phone our FREEPHONE number:
0800 970 6756