Following the introduction into law of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005 in October 2006 the number of prosecutions for non compliance has risen exponentially with heavy fines now routinely dispensed for breaches of the Act.
As the detail of the Act runs to nearly 150 pages, with 53 provisions extending to some 30000 words I give below a condensed version that should interest all owners and managers who fall into the RRO net.
Should the Fire safety inspector call you must be able to demonstrate the following
1) A Risk Assessment has been carried out for each room to identify potential fire risks and identify appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate any Risks. You can access self help Risk assessment programmes using CD and DVD formats for PC.
2) If your organisation employs 5 people or more the Risk assessment analysis, outcomes and ongoing fire safety management should be documented and stored in an appropriate location accessible to the inspectors
3) The fire safety measures and fire protection systems identified in the Risk Assessment have been installed / implemented and fire safety instructions and procedures published. You have a duty to provide such fire detection and fire fighting equipment including fire extinguishers, smoke and fire alarms and emergency signage as identified in your risk assessment.
4) You have designated a responsible person to oversee fire safety on the premises
5) If the Responsible person in turn designates competent persons to manage aspects of fire safety you have a duty to ensure they and all staff received appropriate information and training in line with your fire safety policy.
6) You should designate fire exit routes indicated by fire safety signs and emergency lighting if appropriate and display fire emergency procedures in a prominent location for reference by staff and visitors.
7) Ensure that all fire safety equipment is maintained in working order. If you employ more than 5 people equipment maintenance records should be documented and stored preferably in a Fire Safety Document Cabinet for inspection.
8) You have appropriate storage for any hazardous or flammable substances used or stored on the premises preferably in a COSHH or DSEAR compliant cabinet.
Following these guidelines should keep you the right side of the RRO legislation.
Plain man's guide to the RRO
