The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (fire safety legislation) is a legal framework regarding fire safety for commercial premises and communal parts of domestic premises.
The Fire Safety Order imposes strict duties on those responsible, to have the following in place:
- Comprehensive fire safety risk assessments
- General fire safety precautions
- Fire safety records & arrangements
- Fire fighting and fire detection equipment
- Training
Fire Authorities have extensive powers to enforce The Fire Safety Order and experience has shown that they aggressively enforce it wherever possible. Even in the absence of a fire, they can:
- Make fire safety enquiries
- Enter and inspect premises for fire safety law compliance
- Request copies of fire safety assessment documents
- Issue fire safety enforcement notices including prohibiting the use of premises until fire safety improvements are made
The Fire Authorities are able to issue Prohibition, Enforcement and Alteration Notices on workplaces and as the responsible person you have twenty one days from date of issue to appeal against that Notice.
ASET Fire Safety are experienced in assisting commercial organisations with these problems.
Where serious fire safety breaches are evident, firms or individuals can face a criminal investigation and potential prosecution in the criminal courts, with large fines and severe reputation damage not being uncommon.