From 1st October 2006, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 necessitates that the Responsible Person (RP) of any non-domestic premises conducts a thorough fire risk assessment. This legislation is paramount in overseeing fire risk management.
Fire Safety Order Requirements
The Fire Safety Order mandates that all ‘responsible persons’ undertake a fire risk assessment on their premises to guarantee the safety of all employees and other ‘relevant persons’. It is advised that this assessment is reviewed annually, or sooner if changes occur to the premises layout or occupancy, substantial modifications are made to the building fabric, or if the building’s purpose changes.
Who is Affected?
The legislation applies to individuals in the following roles:
- Those responsible for business premises
- Employers or self-employed persons with business premises
- Individuals responsible for parts of a dwelling used solely for business purposes
- Charities or voluntary organisations
- Contractors with control over premises
- Providers of accommodation for paying guests
Responsibilities Under the Fire Safety Order
The responsible person is obliged to conduct a fire safety risk assessment, establish, and maintain a fire management plan. Paragon Security can conduct a premises survey in accordance with current legislation, offering a fire risk assessment and implementing necessary actions.
Key Areas of Fire Risk Assessment
Although each fire risk assessment is bespoke, common fire prevention and risk factors include:
- Premises Specifics: Construction, layout, and use
- Occupancy Details: Nature and number of occupants, including vulnerable groups
- Electrical Hazards: Potential ignition sources from electrical equipment
- Fire History: Previous incidents of fire loss
- Arson Defence: Measures against intentional fire setting
- Smoking Policies: Smoking areas and preventative measures against smoking-related fires
- Lightning Protection: Defences against fires caused by lightning
- Heating Devices: Risks from installed and portable heating devices
- External Hazards: Fire risks from outside contractors or building works
- Housekeeping: Maintenance of clear areas free from combustible materials
- Escape Routes: Configuration and maintenance of escape pathways
- Storage: Handling and storage of flammable and dangerous liquids
- Emergency Measures: Emergency lighting and measures to limit fire spread
- Fire Detection: Alarm systems and fire safety signage
- Fire Suppression: Maintenance of sprinklers and other fire suppression devices
- Fire Extinguishers: Location and suitability of fire extinguishers
- Evacuation and Training: Regular drills and fire safety training
- Management: Oversight of building fire safety
- Documentation: Maintenance of fire safety records
- Safety Systems Maintenance: Testing and upkeep of fire safety systems
Adhering to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by conducting thorough fire risk assessments and maintaining a fire management plan is essential for the safety of all occupants and compliance with legal obligations. Paragon Security is available to assist in ensuring your premises meet these requirements efficiently and effectively.