 New fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales came into effect on 1 October 2006.
From this date fire safety laws will be covered by one piece of legislation in most premises and fire certificates will be abolished.
Instead, the emphasis will be on preventing fires and reducing risk with a 'responsible person' tasked to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the premises.
The new regulation provides specific requirements when dealing with:
- the elimination or reduction of risks from dangerous substances
- fire fighting and fire detection
- emergency routes and exits
- procedures for serious and imminent danger and for danger areas
- additional emergency measures in respect of dangerous substances
- maintenance
- safety assistance
- provision of information to employers and the self-employed from outside undertakings
- training
- co-operation and co-ordination at work.
The Order amends, repeals, revokes and replaces a considerable number of pieces of fire-related legislation. In particular, the following will be fully revoked/repealed:
• Fire Certificate (Special Premises) Regulations 1976
• Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997
• Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999
• Fire Precautions Act 1971
For further advice and guidance on dealing with the new order please feel free to contact us.
Further information can also be obtained from:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Fire Gateway
The Department for Communities and Local Government
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