2007-03-19
As part of the government's commitment to reduce death, injury and damage caused by fire, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has reviewed current fire safety law in England and Wales, and is making a number of changes through the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The new fire safety rules, which came into force on1 October, apply to all non-domestic premises (including the common parts of apartment buildings).
The Fire Safety Order is the biggest overhaul of fire safety legislation in England and Wales in decades. Northern Ireland and Scotland will have their own laws.
The main effect of the changes will be a move towards greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises, including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes.
Fire certificates have been abolished and no longer have legal status.
Responsible person
Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order rests with the 'responsible person'. In a workplace, this is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, for example, the occupier or owner.
In all other premises the person or people in control of the premises is responsible. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises, all must take all reasonable steps to work with each other.
The responsible person(s) has to carry out a fire risk assessment which must focus on the safety in case of fire of all 'relevant persons'.
The assessment should pay particular attention to those at special risk, such as the disabled and those with special needs, and must include consideration of any dangerous substance likely to be on the premises. If five or more people are employed, the significant findings of the assessment must be recorded.
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(Originally published in Switched On issue 2)
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Source: Electrical Safety Council |
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