Regulatory reform (Fire Safety) Order and sleeping accommodation

In autumn 2006 a new law - the Regulatory reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - comes into force, replacing fire certificates and 78 other pieces of legislation. What do the changes mean?

The new law affects all forms of sleeping accommodation and includes everything in the guest accommodation scheme not previously covered, notably establishments sleeping one to six guests. In relation to self-catering properties; it does not affect single private dwellings, but does apply to a block of flats. This means that single properties remain unaffected while a house converted into holiday flats will need to comply.

The law states that operators must take responsibility for fire safety themselves, so all accommodation operators will have to carry out a fire safety risk assessment. In smaller and simple premises the operator can probably do their own assessment but in large, complex premises a trained professional is more likely to be needed. Preventative or protective measures required following the risk assessment must be installed and maintained.

Fire officers will carry out spot checks and whoever performed the risk assessment is liable for anything found to be incorrect or if anything goes wrong. Magistrates will be able to impose fines of £5,000 for each offence, while a Crown Court can impose unlimited fines and up to two years in jail. From autumn 2006, Quality in Tourism assessors can also ask to see your risk assessment.

 For help with a fire risk assessment on your accommodation why not contact us on 01455 557877

 We have recently surveyed 45 properties for a property management company when our report is presented we have told them what the state of the building is and more importantly what they have to do to comply we also provided photographic evidence.

 

After our recent fire risk assessment of the Greyhound Coaching Inn Lutterworth we established the needs and additional requirements for the hotel.  

 

PSC helped the staff with understanding their role during a fire during a brief training session where all the staff had a hands on experience of using a water extinguisher.

 

Remember this new legislation is not just for sleeping accommodation it is for all companies are you ready?

 

 

Do you want to risk investigation and a heavy fine up to £5,000?

Is it worth being negligent and costing the life possibly of an employee?

Do you want to face possible prison sentences and business closure?

 

FACT: it could happen to anyone. Fire ALWAYS comes without warning.

You can’t prevent fire – you can make sure that you are not liable.

 

PSC are fire safety specialist in fire risk assessment using a format endorsed by the local fire authorities and are a preferred supplier for schools and government buildings.

 

Would you like to know that your workforce are safe?

Would you like to be confident that your business is protected and you are not in danger of receiving heavy fines?

 

Act TODAY in accordance with the Government guidelines and call PSC to make certain you are protected and your workforce is safe.

 

Don’t Delay Call NOW – 01455 557877 or visit www.pscfiresafety.com you have until October 1^st!

 

Yours truly,

 

 

Paul Coughlan

Managing Director

PS Fire risk surveys don’t cost a lot, incorrectly protected could cost a life!