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Fire Leglisation

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into effect in England and Wales in October 2006. It requires the 'responsible person' in virtually all premises, except a single dwelling, to adopt a self-assessment approach to fire safety. The legislation doesn't just apply to workplaces such as offices, hotels and factories. It also applies to the common parts of multiple dwelling such as blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

Key fire safety order requirements

The Order places a clear emphasis on the fire risk assessment. It means that any person who has some level of control in premises must take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure that people can safely escape if there is a fire.

Based on the findings of the assessment, the responsible person needs to ensure that adequate and appropriate fire safety measures are in place to minimise the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.

To help prevent fire in the workplace, a fire risk assessment should identify what could cause a fire to start, ie sources of ignition (heat or sparks) and substances that burn, and the people who may be at risk.

Once the risks have been identified, appropriate action can be taken to control them. Consideration should be made whether they can be avoided altogether or, if this is not possible, how the risks can be reduced and managed. Consider must also be taken of how to protect people in the event of a fire.

  • Carry out a fire safety risk assessment
  • Keep sources of ignition and flammable substances apart
  • Avoid accidental fires, e.g. make sure heaters cannot be knocked over
  • Ensure good housekeeping at all times, eg avoid build-up of rubbish that could burn
  • Consider how to detect fires and how to warn people quickly if they start, eg installing smoke alarms and fire alarms or bells
  • Have the correct fire-fighting equipment for putting a fire out quickly
  • Keep fire exits and escape routes clearly marked and unobstructed at all times
  • Ensure your workers receive appropriate training on procedures they need to follow, including fire drills
  • Develop an emergency plan should a fire occur which includes evacuation procedures
  • Regularly review the risk assessment and emergency plan
Fire safety preparation and training

To make sure that your business complies with fire safety legislation Intelligent Security and Fire can carry out a fire risk assessment and fire safety training to identify the potential risks and measures you can put in place to ensure that you comply with the legislation. For more information and to find out how we can help you meet your responsibilities and comply with current fire safety legislation contact us today.