Q. I have heard new fire safety legislation came into force on
Sunday 1 October 2006, where can I find more
information?
You can find a
breakdown of information about the Regulatory Reform (Fire
Safety) Order 2005 on this website.
You can also find information on the Government website Fire
Gateway
Q. What is new about this legislation?
If you are:
- Responsible for business premises;
- an employer;
- self-employed with business
premises;
- a charity or voluntary organisation; or
- a contractor with a degree of control over any
premises
you are required to undertake a fire safety risk assessment.
Q. Do I only need to consider the safety of employees when
undertaking a risk assessment?
For the first time in fire safety legislation you will have to
take into account any person reporting to your premises, such
as:
- Contractors
- Professional visitors
- Members of the public
- Any other people who may be affected by your
activities
Q. Will I have to make special arrangements for people with
mobility impairment and other disabilities?
Where there are people with special needs on your premises,
appropriate arrangements must be made.
The Government Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guide says: "In
evaluating the risk to people with disabilities you may need to
discuss their individual needs with them. In more complex
buildings used extensively by the public you may need to seek
professional advice."
You should also make sure you conform to the Disabilities Discrimination
Act.
Q. I have no experience of making a fire safety risk
assessment, where can I find some guidance?
There are a
series of guides on completing a fire safety risk
assessment
If you are responsible for a small or medium size premises
you will probably be able to use the guides to carry out a suitable
and sufficient fire safety risk assessment yourself.
If you are not confident, get help, but remember you are
responsible for seeing it is done properly.
Q. Once I have done my fire safety risk assessment who do I
need to show it to?
You will need to consult with your staff and other interested
parties about the findings of the risk assessment and provide
adequate training.
Avon Fire Authority is responsible for enforcing the
legislation.
As part of this a fire officer may ask to see your risk
assessment.