Businesses confused by new fire law

Businesses and organisations across England and Wales are in confusion over new fire safety legislation, says Passive Fire Protection Federation .

Businesses and organisations across England and Wales are in confusion over new fire safety legislation.

The new fire prevention and protection law (affecting all non-domestic premises) changed on 1st October, making existing Fire Certificates defunct.

Few are prepared for the fundamental change which puts responsibility for safety on the business' boss or building's owner.

Non-domestic premises now need a risk assessment to comply.

Those that get it wrong or ignore it could be liable for a fine and invalidated insurance.

Large organisations with health and safety departments or risk assessment agencies on board will be prepared for the new regime; SMEs will be hard hit.

With minimal Government publicity, employers may be exposed.

Matthew Knowles, spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses, says: "The new legislation will cause a lot of headaches in the short-term".

"A survey we carried out in March 2006 showed that 59% of small firms in England and Wales were unaware of the new requirements".

Station Officer Day of the Westminster Branch of the London Fire Authority, says: "The Fire Authority will visit all business premises in an area (to check there is an up-to-date Risk Assessment)".

"If an organisation is not operating the new principles after receiving a 14-day-notice, it could be in breach of fire regulations".

"As well as the 'responsible person' being liable for the breach, the insurance on the property could be invalid".

David Sugden, Chairman, Passive Fire Protection Federation says: "Most people don't know what they're looking for, or how to look for it".

"How many will check beyond sprinklers and alarms?.

Fire protection measures should be built into the fabric of a building.".

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