FIRE CERTIFICATES UNDER THE FIRE PRECAUTIONS ACT 1971 ARE NO LONGER VALID
One of the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is that employers make an assessment of the fire risks that exist within their premises and plan to manage the risk. Almost every non-domestic premise must record the fire risk assessment if they employ more than 5 people.
The fire risk assessment as required by UK legislation is an organised and systematic review of your premises – including the building, the contents and activities carried out – in order to assess the likelihood that a fire could start and cause harm to employees in and around the building.
This form of legislation make breaches a ‘criminal offence’, so it is no longer a ‘civil matter’, the ‘responsible person’, normally the person in charge of the premises is now personally liable and their freedom can be at risk. A wide range of penalties can be imposed. Such penalties maybe custodial in serious cases and conviction of course carries the stigma of a criminal record. Also with the (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is enforceable via criminal prosecution, it should be remembered that it’s primary purpose is to save life and prevent injury to employees in the event of a fire.
It cannot be stressed sufficiently the need to carry out a fire risk assessment for your business. This document is one of the main elements in complying with the (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The ‘responsible person’, must ensure that the fire risk assessment is carried out. They can appoint some other competent person to do the actual assessment, but they are still responsible in law.
The enforcing authority, which is usually the local fire authority, must be satisfied with your safety measures. If they find major problems they can restrict the use of your premises or close them altogether until you deal with the problems in hand.
Further details of recent changes to fire safety law can be seen at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service website, please refer to our web links.
A.J Building Services (NW) Ltd offer a full fire risk assessment service, to take the stress and responsibility away from the ‘responsible person’ within your company. The assessment is carried out by our professional fire risk assessors team and documented in a comprehensive written report with recommendations.
Our fire risk assessment would involve thought being given to:
1. Identifying the potential hazards of the workplace.
2. Decide who (employees, visitors) might be at risk from any or during escape from the premises.
3. Think about who might be particulary at risk – e.g. you may have disabled employees, or people who
work with hazardous chemicals.
4. Evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or
more should be done to negate the hazards or manage the risks.
5. Illiminate the risk from fire, as far as reasonably possible.
6. Put in place fire precautions to deal with any risks that remain.
7. Make sure there is adequate protection if you use or store flammable or explosive materials.
8. Have a plan to deal with emergencies.
9. Record the findings and details any action taken.
10. Review the risk assessment and revise as and when necessary.
For peace of mind, call us on 0151 210 1860 and ask our fire alarm division about professionally carried out fire risk assessment of your premises or if you would like a quote send us your details and one of our proffessional fire risk assessors will be in touch.