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The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order

Fire authorities no longer issue fire certificates and those previously in force will have no legal status.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RR(FS)O) replaces most fire safety legislation with one new order. It means that any person who has some level of control in premises must take steps to reduce the risk from fire, consider how to contain a fire should one break out and then also make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.

These new fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales came into force on 1 October 2006. Under the order, anyone who has control of premises or anyone who has a degree of control over certain areas or systems may be a ‘responsible person’, for example, it could be:

An employer

Self-employed with business premises

A charity or voluntary organisation

A contractor with a degree of control over any premises

The order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space.

For example, it applies to:

Offices and Shops

Factories and Warehouses

Sleeping Accommodation

Residential Care Premises

Educational Premises

Small, Medium and Large places of assembly

Theatres and Cinemas

Outdoor events

Healthcare Premises

Transport Premises and Facilities

Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm Systems are governed by a Code of Practice for Design, installation and maintenance known as BS5839 2002. This Code of Practice comprehensively governs such systems and if followed is accepted as current good practice.

The responsible person is responsible for the safety of the employees and relevant persons by effectively managing:

Fire risk assessment

Fire safety policy

Fire procedures

Fire drills

Means of escape

Emergency lighting

Fire alarms and extinguishers

Fire doors & compartments

Fire evacuations

Signs & notices

The responsible person must keep records on risk assessments, the current fire safety policy, procedures, training and drills. The routine maintenance of all fire alarm systems and emergency lighting and extinguishers must also be recorded.

If you are the responsible person and you do not comply you could face two years in prison and also a heavy fine of £5,000 as well as carrying the moral burden of not appearing to care about your staff, customers and other visitors.

If you would like to find out more about the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RR(FS)O)and how TROJAN Safety Systems can help you to comply then please do not hesitate contact us .

IT’S THE LAW