A guest house operator and a sole trader have been fined following serious fire safety failures at a property near Bridgwater, Somerset. Walpole House Limited was fined £52,000, while Mr Krishnan, who also operated a separate sole-trader accommodation business at the premises, was fined £1,480 after both pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. [dsfire.gov.uk], [fsmatters.com]
The prosecution followed an inspection by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service that uncovered significant fire safety deficiencies. The failings were so serious that a Prohibition Notice was issued preventing the premises from being used for sleeping accommodation until remedial work had been completed. [fia.uk.com], [dsfire.gov.uk]
Inspectors found:
- No suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. [fia.uk.com], [dsfire.gov.uk]
- No installed fire alarm system. [fia.uk.com], [fsmatters.com]
- Inadequate emergency lighting and poor maintenance of existing provisions. [dsfire.gov.uk], [fsmatters.com]
- Incomplete fire doors throughout the premises. [dsfire.gov.uk], [fsmatters.com]
- Inadequate evacuation procedures. [fia.uk.com], [dsfire.gov.uk]
- No firefighting equipment. [dsfire.gov.uk], [fsmatters.com]
The fire service stated that these deficiencies created significant risks for overnight guests, particularly their ability to receive warning of a fire and escape safely. [fia.uk.com], [dsfire.gov.uk]
