FW:
From: Paul Coughlan [mailto:paul@pscfiresafety.com]
Sent: 26 July 2006 11:12
To: 'pscfiresafety.fire@blogger.com'
Subject:
Fire safety rules are streamlined
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| By Paul Coughlan PSC |
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| Recent statistics show that non-domestic blazes cost the Currently there is an abundance of rules and regulations surrounding this topic, which easily causes confusion for those who do not understand what is required of them. But new fire safety rules affecting non-domestic premises in the These will replace or amend more than 70 pieces of discrete legislation, and simplify and streamline the process and procedures. One key change to the regulations is that the responsibility to comply with the new rules will rest with the "responsible person" who in most cases will be the employer or the person who has control of the premises. For many organisations the responsibility will rest with the management or the named health and safety officer. But this will now extend to other individuals, for instance, third party occupiers of small units on any college or university-sponsored enterprise park. The new regulations also clarify the specific circumstances of buildings like schools and colleges. Statistics state that on average 34 fires are caused by arson each week at educational establishments. The new rules will place an increased burden on an institution in relation to record keeping, risk reduction measures and regular assessments. Another key point is in relation to the short-term hiring of facilities. Under the new rules, fire safety obligations now lie with the "responsible person" so, for example, the yoga instructor who hires out the local school hall will need to check that the school has obtained the appropriate risk assessment. The local Fire and Rescue Service Authority will enforce the new legislation but there will be a series of 11 fire risk assessment guides, which will help and support people through the process and changes to the law. "Existing legislation has developed haphazardly and has resulted in a great deal of confusion, so the simplification of the Fire Safety Law is great news for local organisations. Non-domestic premises were subject to both the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997, coupled with a range of other statutory and non-statutory fire safety regimes, which meant it was extremely difficult for organisations to easily understand what was required of them." "The advice from PSC is that all organisations should ensure that their fire assessment procedures are reviewed in light of the new requirements and the guidance, which is produced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister." The regulatory reform was expected to come into force in April but was postponed to allow organisations more time to prepare. · For more information visit www.odpm.gov.uk · Or visit www.pscfiresafety.com Would you be interested in attending a seminar about fire safety email paul@pscfiresafety.com for more details |
