Lees Solicitors - Fire Safety - Employers and Building Owners obligations - John Morshead

Commercial Property News

Fire Safety - Employers and Building Owners obligations - John Morshead


Fire Safety - Employers and Building Owners obligations - John Morshead

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 introduced significant change. As well as simplifying current legislation, it introduced the need for employers, building owners and occupiers to have a greater understanding of fire safety and requires them to nominate a "responsible person".

The Order, made under the Regulatory Reform Act 2001 replaces many of the references to fire safety in other legislation such as the Fire Precautions Act, Licensing Act and Housing Acts with a simple, single Order. It requires any person who exercises some level of control in premises to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and ensure occupants can safely escape if a fire does occur.

In such, premises achieving fire safety is often a matter of common sense but you will have to ensure that sufficient time is put aside to work through the necessary steps. In more complicated premises or those with a high life risk, more expert help may be required.

Where does it apply?

The Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space.

For example:

  • Offices and shops
  • Premises that provide care
  • Community halls
  • Pubs, clubs and restaurants
  • Schools
  • Hotels and hostels
  • Factories and warehouses

But excludes:

  • Purely domestic premises occupied by a single family group

What are the main requirements of the Order?

The responsible person is required to:

  • Carry out or nominate someone to carry out a fire risk assessment identifying the risks and hazards.
  • Consider who may be especially at risk.
  • Eliminate or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably practical and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk.
  • Take additional measures to ensure fire safety where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored.
  • Create a plan to deal with any emergency and, in most cases, document your findings.
  • Review the findings periodically.

If you require any further information concerning the Fire Safety Order and the way in which it may affect you and your business, please contact a member of the Business & Property Services Department at Lees Solicitors LLP and we will be pleased to advise and assist. 

John Morshead

 

This article provides a summary of a recent case/change in law/news item. It is intended for general information purposes only and is not to be relied upon. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated under any circumstances as a substitute for legal advice. Lees Solicitors LLP does not accept any responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance upon the information contained within this article. The copyright in this article is owned by Lees Solicitors LLP and permission must be sought before reproduction or publishing.


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