Fire costs UK business millions of pounds, from disruption to and loss of business, property damage, fines, compensation claims and increasing insurance premiums. In addition there is the human cost when people die or are seriously injured by fires that occur at work. Many fires can be avoided or the effects minimised by conducting a fire risk assessment, taking precautions and having effective controls and procedures in place. The Fire Reform Order 2006 consolidated much of the existing fire safety legislation and placed the emphasis on preventing fires and reducing risk. Fire certificates are no longer issued by the local Fire Authority and employers are required to ensure they have an up to date fire risk assessment for their site. Owners and operators of non-domestic premises have a duty to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape in the event of a fire. They should appoint a 'responsible person' who must arrange for a fire risk assessment to be carried out to identify and deal with any potential fire risks. The responsible person should be someone who has sufficient experience, authority and budgetary control such as: the owner, employer or manager of business premises the owner or managing agent of shared business premises the owner or managing agent of communal areas of shared residential premises Where there is more than one individual identified with responsibility they will need to co-operate and co-ordinate to ensure measures comply with the regulations The duties of the responsible person include: arranging a fire risk assessment to identify possible dangers and risks identifying those at increased risk †such as disabled employees removing, as far as is reasonably practicable, the risk from fire putting in place fire precautions to deal with any risks that remain making sure there is adequate storage for flammable or explosive materials having an emergency plan making provisions for business continuity recording and reviewing plans and assessments at regular intervals The first step is for the responsible person to ensure that the initial fire risk assessment is carried out. They can appoint a competent person to complete the assessment; however the legal responsibility remains with the duty holder. The enforcing authority (usually the local fire authority) must be satisfied with the safety measures in place. If deficiencies are identified, the duty holder may be served with an enforcement notice to improve safety, restrict the use of the premises or to close the property altogether until the necessary improvements have been implemented. Fire safety is makes good business sense. For more information or to arrange a Fire Risk Assessment please visit our website: www.nemco-utilities.co.uk
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