The Government proposes to reform fire safety legislation in England and Wales, by introducing new legislation on October 1st 2006 and repealing the Fire Precautions Act and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations.
The intention is to achieve a high standard of fire safety by focusing on employers responsibilities and fire safety measures appropriate to risk, and the removal of multiple and overlapping fire safety provisions. A single fire safety regime will significantly reduce the burden of compliance on employers.
The new legislation will affect employers and virtually all those responsible for non domestic premises. There should not be any significant additional burden as the new legislation will consolidate the requirements of the current Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. Some self employed and voluntary workers will be brought within the regime, but many of these are already subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act.
As part of this process, applications for new and amended Fire Certificates should be made as per current legislation. This will enable the Brigade to monitor the level of compliance in larger workplaces, however certificates will only be issued or amended if necessary to ensure compliance. Until October 1st 2006 employers are to continue to comply with the Fire Precautions Act, Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, and follow the guidance given in Fire Safety – an Employers Guide.
The government’s announcement regarding the introduction of reform can be found at; http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2089
More information about the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and the accompanying guidance documents can be found on the website of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister http://www.odpm.gov.uk. Fire Safety an Employers Guide can be found on the website of the Health and Safety Executive, http://www.hse.gov.uk
Should you require further explanation please contact your local fire safety office. Click Here to look for your local fire safety office.
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