Fire risk assessments – a myth

Fire safety legislation for existing buildings (which applies to virtually all non-domestic premises) requires that the fire precautions in the premises be based on a fire risk assessment which, therefore, must be carried out. This applies even to a small shop occupied by a single self-employed person. The requirement also applies to the common parts of blocks of flats in England and Wales (but not Scotland and NI).
Confusion sometimes arises because the findings of the Fire Risk Assessment need not be recorded if the employer (or other duty holder) does not employ 5 or more persons. Never the less, the Fire Risk Assessment must be carried out. The findings must also be recorded in the case of premises for which legislation requires licensing or registration. A Fire & Rescue Authority may also require this in an alterations notice, though such notices are not that common. It might be regarded as best practice, regardless of any legal obligation to do so.

Fire Safety: A Burning Issue for Hotels

There are over 45,000 hotels in the UK and fire safety is of paramount importance, not least because non-compliance with legislation can result in loss of life, loss of revenue, fines and imprisonment.

From small B&Bs to large hotels, the main legal responsibilities are the same. Hotel owners and managers need to be aware of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO); the current law in England and Wales. The FSO required one individual to be named as the ‘Responsible Person’ for a building – generally deemed to be the owner, manager or employer.

Quite often a hotel manager can be the designated Responsible Person without knowing it and without any fire safety knowledge or training. However, just because they are listed as the Responsible Person doesn’t mean they need to know everything about fire safety; someone else can be nominated to be a ‘Competent Person’ for the premises and receive training accordingly.

Do You Comply?

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION & REVIEW:

PHONE: 0800 772 0559

OR

EMAIL: enquiries@dbfiresafety.co.uk

 

Fire Station gutted in fire!!!

When the retained fire fighters were called out this week to a fire they arrived at their fire station only to find that it was their own building that was ablaze.

The fire, that had started in the garage area, completely destroyed the £250,000 fire engine as well as the remainder of the building.

Red-faced fire brigade chiefs have thanked the local police for raising the alarm and storing the new replacement fire engine at the local police station.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-26525149