Legislation/Technical Updates

Changes in fire safety law in all non-domestic premises

Relevant to: All employers, all businesses, the voluntary sector and the self-employed in England and Wales

Taken effect on: 1 October 2006
From 1 October 2006, a single fire safety law will replace the existing laws. The new law will affect most premises except private houses.

It will apply to:

• all employers
• the voluntary sector
• self-employed people in non-domestic premises

The "responsible person" - eg the employer, occupier, owner or landlord of premises - will be responsible for fire safety. The onus will be on the responsible person to:

• assess the risks and regularly review your fire risk assessment - to prevent fire occurring in the first place
• take practical measures to reduce, remove and identify fire risks - eg hazardous substances or processes in the workplace
• comply - premises will be subject to inspection by appointed enforcers to check compliance with the law

Fire certificates will be abolished and fire safety conditions of licence will cease to apply.

You should read the guidance suitable for your premises - eg shops and offices, etc. If you still feel unqualified to carry out a fire risk assessment, you should appoint a competent person to assist you.

If the enforcing authority - usually the local fire and rescue authority - is not satisfied with your fire safety measures, they will advise the responsible person what action to take. If they find serious fault, they can restrict or forbid the use of premises until you remove these dangers.

www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1162101

« Back