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Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety?

At the well-attended meeting of the Burton Business Club at the Branston Golf and Country Club on Tuesday 14 July 2009, Brett Waring from the Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service posed the question to members: “Who did they think was responsible for fire safety in their business?”

After the usual excellent dinner, members were informed by Brett there is a great deal of confusion amongst small business owners about who is responsible for fire safety in their business since the landmark change in UK legislation with enactment in 2006 of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  No more do the Fire Service regularly come round and inspect the premises and issue fire safety certificates.  Instead every business owner or owner of premises that has persons entering has a duty to carry out and thereafter keep under review a prescribed fire risk assessment.

Brett explained how calamitous fires involving major loss of life in business and public buildings from the mid 1800’s to the present day have triggered changes in fire safety regulation.  The latest legislation was brought about by the need for businesses and organisations to take more responsibility for their fire precautions and more effective enforcement in the face of rapidly rising costs of public services.  The members, evidenced by the large number of questions and comments throughout the presentation, were clearly vitally interested on how the latest requirements affect their own business. 

Brett went on to say that this legislation applies to all premises including churches and blocks of flats with common areas with the only the exception being single domestic dwellings.  After a fire, business owners must be prepared for the question, “can I see your risk assessment?”  Not having one could well result in a significant penalty.  In addition, your insurance loss adjuster is just waiting not to pay you out – a double whammy that often sinks businesses.  He finished by saying that the Fire Service is very pro-active in providing guidance and advice to business and premises owners.   Just ring 08457 551122.  Members were also able to take away the free guidance literature from leaflets to detailed guidelines.

Derek Liddle, the club chairman, remarked that the large attendance and the lively debate shows how much this subject was very relevant and commended members to spread the word.  He thanked Brett on behalf of the members for an excellent presentation.