The regulatory reform order and you
On October 1st 2006, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety order) came into force. This is a major change in legislation and fire certificates are no longer issued or in force. As an employer, or as someone who has control of a workplace you must take steps to ensure that you have what is known as a 'suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment' in place.The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) replaced The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 as amended in 1999.
Employer with control of a workplace, failing that or in addition;
Person with overall management of a building
Occupier of a premises, owner of a premises
Landlords (multi occupied buildings)
If you are an employer, self employed (with business premises), a voluntary organisation or have control over any premises then yes the fire regulations do apply to you.
If you employ five or more people, own licensed premises or have an alterations notice in force, you must keep a hard copy of your fire risk assessment present on the premises and available for inspection at all times.
From October 1st 2006 Fire Certificates will no longer be valid and enforcement of the new regulations is likely to become more comprehensive.
As an employer you are directly responsible for ensuring that you comply with these regulations.
You may have received the Government Fire Safety Law brochure. This provides a checklist of all the things you need to do. Simply ticking the boxes without follow up action will not ensure that you are compliant with the legislation.
