Fire Professionals unsure of new Fire Safety legislation

Fire safety professionals and businesses unsure about new fire safety legislation  A recent survey of visitors to the Firex South 2008 website suggests that more than 75% of safety professionals are unsure of the full implications of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 introduced in October 2006. The results indicate many fire safety professions advising businesses are themselves not fully conversant with the current requirements

A further survey also indicates that many businesses have yet to conduct a fire risk assessment which is a cornerstone of the RRO requirements.

Both findings are worrying as the importance of carrying out a fire risk assessment and implementing ongoing maintenance of the fire action plan is essential, irrespective of how large or small the business. It is a legal requirement that no company can ignore and prosecutions are on the rise for non compliance with the RRO.

The Communities and Local Government Ministry (CLG) is circulating a free booklet aimed at educating businesses on the key elements of the new legislation. Entitled “A Short Guide to making your Premises Safe from Fire” the booklet is available direct from CLG (Product Code 05 FRSD 03546) Communities and Local Government Publications PO Box 236 Wetherby LS23 7ND Tel: 0870 1226 236 Fax: 0870 1226 237  Email: communities@twoten.com

A summary of the RRO requirements and responsibilities under the legislation is also provided in the Advice Centre on the Fire and Safety Centre website in the Essential Information files. http://www.fireandsafetycentre.co.uk/Fire-Extinguisher-Advice/

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