Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
October 2006 saw the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The order replaces the Fire Certificates that were issued under the Fire Precautions Act 1971. The order relates to the law surrounding fire safety in non-domestic premises, with very few exceptions. (These can be found in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005).
Many people inadvertently overlook the need to assess the communal areas in blocks of flats, homes of multiple occupation and holiday lets. Often this only comes to light when something goes wrong, or the property goes on the market and a solicitor requests sight of the fire risk assessment.
The assessment is designed to
- Identify risk,
- Then eliminate or reduce to the lowest practicable level.
Persons at risk must include employees, visitors and contractors. There are a number of specific duties in relation to the fire precautions to be taken and these are identified within the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It amends or repels other primary legislation concerning fire safety.
6th of April 2010 brought an additional piece of legislation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This is aimed at clarifying what the Regulatory Reform already says in relation to ensuring that staff have ‘sufficient training and experience or knowledge‘ (RRO).
The employer has a responsibility to ensure the employee is capable of undertaking the duties surrounding fire related risks.
The regulation states; ‘Employer to take employees’ capabilities into consideration. Every employer must, in entrusting tasks to employees, take into account their capabilities with regards to health and safety, so far as those capabilities relate to fire.
For more information please download The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 PDF
