SOA

Fire Certificates
The major amendment resulting from the Order refers to the abolition of fire certificates. Instead, the Order firmly places the responsibility of Fire Safety on the Responsible Person. There will no longer be specific requirements to rely on. Fire Certificates will cease to have status.

Fire Risk Assessment
The responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks. The duty of care to carry out a fire risk assessment is placed on the Responsible Person. The Order requires that individual to produce a Policy, develop Procedures (especially in regard to evacuation), have provisions for continual Staff Training, carry out Fire Drills and provide and maintain Means of Escape, Signs and Notices, Emergency Lighting, Fire Detection, Warning and Suppression equipment.

Enforcement
The local Fire and Rescue Service will be the primary enforcer. However, there are others for some special premises (e.g. HSE, MOD, and Local Authority). The inspector has the right to inspect your premises, make enquiries to the limitations of the premises, inspect any records and take samples.

As the responsible person you must ensure the safety of your employees and visitors to your premises. In addition, you must consider the safety of any person not on the premises but who may be affected by your business.

The Order states “the responsible person must appoint one or more Competent Persons to assist them”. The Order elaborates, specifying the competent person must have sufficient training, experience and knowledge. Where this competent person is directly employed the responsible person must ensure they are appropriately trained.

SOA are ideally suited as sub-contractors to act as your `competent person'. We have expert knowledge, superior experience and Third Party Accreditation.

Policies - As part of the Fire Risk Assessment you must provide policies on minimising risk of the outbreak of fire, the spread of fire and smoke, means of escape and demonstrate preventive action.

Procedures - You must have in place procedures for dealing with fire, including regular fire drills. The procedure shall identify the circumstances that trigger an emergency. In light of the natural and man-made disasters of recent times, the need for an updated and satisfactory emergency action plan may be viewed as all the more imperative.

Fire Risk Assessment - All non-domestic workplaces must carry out a fire risk assessment. This assessment must be documented and recorded if you; employ more than five people; have a license in force; or an alterations notice requires you to do so. This assessment must record all significant findings, measures and events. If the premises activity or usage alters, the fire risk assessment must be reviewed.

Fire Management Policy - You must have a system in place for managing the Fire Safety of your premises. It is strongly recommended that you make and keep all records. Keeping the records proves you have acted responsibly; failure to keep the records may cast doubt on the matter. Remember the inspector can demand to see these policy documents and records.

The enforcer has the authority to issue one of three notices, an enforcement, prohibition or alterations notice. Failure to comply with one of these notices is a criminal offence.

In addition, there are numerous other offences under the Order. These include failure to implement fire precautions, failure to carry out a fire risk assessment, non-compliance with the regulations and giving false information.

If you are convicted of failing to comply then you may be subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.

You can now face a fine and prosecution if found to be negligent on having satisfactory provisions in place for the Fire Safety of your premises, employees, visitors and those affected by the activities of your business.

SOA has the experience, training and knowledge to act as your competent person. SOA can conduct your fire risk assessment, provide training for your staff and initiate your business' fire management policy and emergency action plan.

SOA provides first class fire safety & evacuation analysis and advice to all our clients. We have a proven track record of ensuring that our clients meet their legal responsibilities with a fire safety strategy that supports their business objectives.

For further information please contact SOA directly, alternatively further information can be found on the Government's Community Website