In 2004 the average cost of a fire in a commercial building was £43,800. (Norwich Union Risk Services) 

The Law and Legislation
 
What legislation governs fire safety in the workplace?
 
Since October 2006 The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) came into force replacing all fire safety legislation produced prior to it. Its introduction has since removed the need for certain buildings to hold a fire safety certificate.
 
What premises does the Fire Safety Order cover?
 
The FSO applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales some of these include:
 
  • Offices
  • Shops
  • Community centres / halls
  • Pubs and clubs
  • Restaurants
  • Schools
  • Premises that provide care
  • Tents and marquees
  • Hotels, B&B's & self catering accommodation
  • Factories
  • Warehouses
  • Stables
  • Common areas i.e. communal areas of flats and other shared premises
 Who is responsible for these premises?
 
It is your responsibility to ensure the business complies with the FSO if, 
  • You are responsible for business premises
  • A employer or self-employed with a business premises
  • If your responsible for part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purpose
  • A contractor with a degree of control over any promises
  • If you provide accommodation for paying guests
  • You are a charity or voluntary oranisation
What are the main requirements of the FSO?
 
The FSO requires any person who exercises some level of control in any non-domestic premises to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and ensure occupants can escape safely if a fire does occur.
 
How can this be achieved?
 
To achieve the above a responsible person must:
 
  • Carry out a fire risk assessment to identify the risks and hazards.
  • Eliminate or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably practical and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk.
  • Consider who may be especially at risk.
  • Take additional measures to ensure fire safety where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored.
  • Create a plan to deal with any emergency and document your findings.
  • Review the findings regularly.

For a simple guide to completing a fire safety risk assessment click here.

 

Making Fire Safety Simple!