30 September 2006

Changes designed to make fire safety legislation for non-domestic properties easier to understand and comply with come into effect on Sunday.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, known as the RRO for short, reforms and rationalises current fire safety laws contained in over 100 pieces of legislation.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service will be responsible for enforcing it in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. It will do this by carrying out regular inspections, with priority going to premises presenting most risk to the community.

The changes affect all non-domestic premises and will apply to certain activities taking place outdoors. The main change will be in emphasis towards risk reduction and fire prevention. Fire certificates will no longer be issued.

Information about the RRO, including a guide to how to make premises safe from fire, has been sent to all 4,000 or so premises in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes which have fire certificates. The guide is available to download free from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s website HERE

More detailed guidance targeted at specific areas of business is available to download free from the Department for Communities and Local Government website at www.communities.gov.uk

Chris Bailey, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Protection Group Manager, said: “The new rules apply to nearly every type of building, structure and open space except for private homes and individual flats in a block or house, although communal areas will be affected.

“Responsibility for compliance rests with someone who is referred to as the ‘responsible person’. In a workplace, the responsible person 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 will be responsible.”

The responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment which must focus on people’s safety. It should pay particular attention to those at special risk, such as young people, disabled people and those with special needs.

The assessment will help identify risks that can be removed or reduced, and what precautions need to be taken to protect people against fire risks that remain.

Premises covered by the order include:

·                     Offices and shops

·                     Premises that provide care

·                     Community halls

·                     Common areas of houses in multiple occupation

·                     Pubs, clubs and restaurants

·                     Theatres and cinemas

·                     Schools

·                     Tents and marquees

·                     Hotels and hostels

·                     Factories and warehouses