PROPRIETORS/ EMPLOYERS LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The regulatory reform (Fire Safety) order 2005, came into force in October 2006.It combined numerous previous acts into one single piece of legislation. The principal difference from other acts relates to the “RESPONSIBLE PERSON”. Under the new legislation, the enforcing authority can identify whomever it considers to be responsible in a particular situation. If you are an employer, or run a business such as providing accommodation, it is highly likely that in the first instance, you will be identified as that person.

The responsible person :-

1, must take steps to ensure that the premises is "safe", though certain definitions are applied to the term.

2, must provide information and instruction regarding safe routine management, in order to avoid fires, and about the provisions and procedures designed to ensure those present move to a place of safety, if a fire does occur.

3, must ensure that fire fighting equipment is provided, acquaint staff with its operation, and the awareness that it should be not be used at the expense of personal safety.

4, must/should keep records of all incidents, surveys, tests and training undertaken in connection with fire safety.

5, must consider the safety of professional fire fighters, and provisions which may be of use to them.

Note, This list is representative, not exhaustive.