FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION

The Regulatory Reform Order - 2005

A new regime of fire safety enforcement came into force on 1st October, 2006. It has affected employers and those who are responsible for, non-domestic, Industrial, commercial and residential premises. Self-employed people and the voluntary sector have also been brought within the regime.

The legislation aims to simplify, rationalise and consolidate fire safety legislation. It provides for a risk-based approach to fire safety allowing more efficient effective enforcement by the fire and rescue service. At the core of the legislation lies the Fire Risk Assessment. This is an organised appraisal of your work activities and the workplace to enable you to identify potential fire hazards, and to decide who (including employees and visitors) might be in danger in the event of fire, and their location. You will then evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide whether the existing fire precautions are adequate, or whether more needs to be done.

From 1st October, 2006 occupiers of premises designated under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 will no longer need to apply for a Fire Certificate.