NEWS - FIRE SAFETY - 30.01.2006

Fire certificates are no longer necessary

Changes afoot

For over a year now, fire brigades have reduced their enforcement activities as they prepare for new fire safety legislation, due to be introduced in the autumn. Rather than carry out their usual inspections, they’ve been developing new enforcement practices, as the new legislation will do away with many of the current requirements. Probably the biggest changes will be that fire certificates will go, and whilst in the past the fire safety officer has been willing to give advice, the future looks quite different.

Applicable legislation

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order was initially due in 2005, but as with many reforms it’s been delayed. Regardless, fire brigades have been getting themselves prepared for the changes and in some cases working as if they were already in place. You may not have seen a fire safety officer for some time now, but you are still required to operate safely. The Fire Precautions Act and the Workplace Fire Precautions Legislation (WFPL) both require you to you keep you workplace safe from fire - all employers are subject to the WFPL. Once the new legislation comes into effect, you’ll be expected to be compliant, because the requirements are similar to those at present.

It’s all down to you

As at present, the new legislation will require you to have a current appropriate fire risk assessment specific to your premises. But as there will no longer be fire certificates and with the fire brigade changing its enforcement style, the nature of inspections will be different. You’ll be required to demonstrate that you’ve dealt with the significant findings of your fire risk assessment and have suitable procedures in place. You’ll be expected to maintain an environment that is safe for your employees and other visitors.

Tip. The changes shouldn’t require you to do too much. The completion of a fire risk assessment isn’t new. The main change will be that any inspection is likely to be more formal and focus on the effectiveness of the control measures. Although the official line is they are going to be looking at more enforcement, they will still offer help. During the early days of the regime there will be a transitional period whilst everyone, including them, adjusts.

Will there still be visits?

The frequency of future visits will depend on the nature of your business. High-risk businesses, such as those providing sleeping accommodation, can expect frequent (perhaps annual) requests from the fire safety officer to see the fire risk assessment. Lower risk businesses may not see a fire safety officer for several years. But remember, you must still comply with the requirements of the legislation, and you must carry out your fire risk assessment.

Note. Just because you’re less likely to be visited by fire brigade inspectors, it doesn’t mean you can let standards slip. A source at a major insurance broker, has informed us that insurance companies are going to take a far greater interest in your fire risk assessments, and especially in the suitability of the control measures, when calculating your premiums.