New fire laws: the burning issues
What legal changes will be brought about by the new fire laws?
The main emphasis of the changes is a move towards fire prevention. Fire certificates will be abolished and will cease to have legal status. Under the new laws the 'responsible person' for each place of business will be required to carry out a fire risk assessment and take steps to reduce or remove the risk.
Who is the "responsible person"?
The 'responsible person' can be any employer with control of a workplace, any other person with that responsibility or the owner of the premises.
Do the defined responsibilities apply only to the premises?
You must as far as is reasonably practical make sure that everyone on the premises, or nearby, can escape safely if there is a fire. This is different from previous legislation in that you must consider everyone who might be on your premises, whether they are employees, visitors or members of the public. You should pay particular attention to people who may have a disability or anyone who may need special help.
Can a consultant be nominated to assess the fire risk?
The new fire laws allow the responsible person to appoint a 'competent' person to carry out a suitable fire risk assessment so, where personnel do not have the necessary experience, the regulations recommend that a competent consultant, with 'appropriate skills and experience', is nominated to provide advice and solutions. However, the 'responsible person' will be responsible, in law, for meeting the order.
How frequently should fire risk assessments be carried out?
There is a requirement for employers to implement measures to remove or reduce risks on an ongoing basis, and the responsible person will also be required to keep a copy of the fire risk assessment, regularly review it and make changes where necessary.
The National Risk Assessment Registry (NRAR) is a free, web-based service providing a secure register to store, update and audit Fire Risk Assessment documents. Email help@nrar.org.uk or visit www.nrar.org.uk
Of what value is my old fire certificate?
Fire authorities no longer issue fire certificates and those previously in force will have no legal status.Any fire certificates you have may be useful as a good starting point, but you will still need to carry out a fire-risk assessment and make sure that you keep up all fire precautions and maintenance routines.
What are the principal concerns of a fire-risk assessment?
Identify fire hazards and people at risk. Remove or reduce fire hazards. Protect people by providing fire precautions. Evaluate the level of risk. Record any major findings and action you have taken. Discuss and work with other responsible people. Prepare an emergency plan. Inform and instruct relevant people. Provide training.
Chris Pearce is business development director at fire safety consultants Fireco. For more information call 0870 8500085 or visit www.firecoltd.com
