Fire Safety Reform Order

On the 1st October 2006 the government introduced The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO). This has simplified and consolidated the existing fire safety legislation. Fire certificates have now been replaced by fire risk assessments, which are the responsibility of individual companies and not The Fire Authority.

The new legislation is being policed and enforced by the local fire authorities, who carry out planned prioritised routine inspections. Failure to comply or provide an adequate assessment can result in an enforcement or prohibition notice being issued or even criminal prosecution.

Once your initial fire risk assessment has been carried out, a date should be set for a review of the assessment, it is recommended that this be annually. This will ensure that you are demonstrating a pro-active fire and safety management approach, in anticipation of your next audit by the fire authority or insurance company.