Fire regulations extinguished - for the time being - Andersons Solicitors Nottingham

Firms which aren’t yet ready to comply with the new fire safety reforms can breathe a sigh of relief as the date for implementing them has been postponed.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order was due to come into force in April this year but the government hasn’t been able to get the guidance documents ready in time. It’s now trying to catch up so it can announce the new start date.

Many firms already have the correct procedures in place to comply but those that don’t now have the chance to make up for lost time. The main effect of the changes will be to place more emphasis on fire prevention in the workplace and indeed all non-domestic premises.

Fire certificates will be abolished and will no longer have any legal status.
The responsibility for complying with the new regulations will rest with the “responsible person.” This will usually be the employer or otherwise whoever has control of the premises.

The responsible person will have to perform a fire risk assessment focussing specifically on the safety of employees or indeed anyone who may be at risk. The needs of the disabled or those with special needs will have to be taken into account.If you employ more than five people you must record the important firdings of the fire assessment.

We’ll bring details of the new compliance date as soon as it’s announced.