Fact Sheet No. 5

Fire Precautions Regulations What You Need To Know

Until October 2006, fire safety provision was scattered among many different pieces of legislation dating as far back as the 1700s. There were two main pieces of legislation affecting most firms: the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997. Since the introduction of the Fire Safety Order in 2006 companies may no longer require a Fire Certificate and there is greater emphasis on self assessment.

In this factsheet we cover the Fire Precautions Regulations and what you need to know to make sure your business complies with them.

Fire Precautions Regulations Factsheet

A short history of fire safety legislation
Effects of the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
Fire Safety Arrangements
Who is responsible for compliance?
What does the ‘responsible person’ need to do?
How will a fire risk assessment help me?
Do I need to keep records?
Who will enforce this new law?

Sample Extract

The main effect of the new Fire Safety Order has been greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises, including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes.

The Government reviewed over 260 pieces of legislation, including that relating to fire safety. The new legislation, has replaced both the Fire Precautions Act and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations and as much of the remaining legislation as was practical. The broad aim is to ensure that, wherever the proposed Order applies, people take proper care for their own safety and the safety of others who might not be familiar with the premises. A ‘responsible person’ should be appointed to oversee this and ensure implementation of the requirements. The main thrust of the new Fire Safety Order is fire risk assessments. All firms must complete a proper fire risk assessment of their premises and ensure the risks from fire are eliminated or minimised as much as possible.