By taking the right measures, you can make sure that you, your employees and your organization are properly protected if a fire breaks out.

Fire safety legislation in the UK changed dramatically in 2006, with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.  In one sweeping change, the onus of inspecting compliance of fire safety moved from the local fire authority (who issued 'Fire Certificates') to the 'responsible person' who 'controls the premises'. 

The range of premises to which the new legislation applies to, also changed and now includes all non-domestic premises, including 'places of assembly' (such as churches, village halls and Scout huts), animal premises, sleeping accommodation (student houses and the common areas of blocks of flats), transport premises and places of residential care amongst others.

The new fire legislation requires a risk assessment, in addition to taking all reasonable precautions such as having a fire detection alarm system, extinguishers, direction signs and training. To conduct a risk assessment, a company must consider the mental and physical acuity of those likely to be affected by fire or smoke, the materials of construction of the premises, the layout and travel distances to places of safety, the sources of ignition, fuel and oxidizing agents, the need for emergency lighting and the types and number of fire extinguishers. If five or more people could be affected by a fire on your premises, the assessment must be in writing.

In all reality, many businesses just don’t have the resources, time or inclination to carry out the full requirements of the legislation but if they don’t and a fire does break out, penalties of a fine of up to £5,000 for each offence on summary conviction, an unlimited fine or up to two years imprisonment is a possible consequence.

The following businesses, people or organizations are required to comply to the legislation:
• Those responsible for business premises
• An employer or self-employed with business premises
• Anyone responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes
• a charity or voluntary organization

• a contractor with a degree of control over any premises
Professional health and safety consultancies may conduct the risk assessment on your behalf and help you to ensure that your company is protected. de Silva Safety Services is one of the most popular companies providing this service, having undertaken many fire risk assessments over a number of years, in a wide range of premises.