The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (R.R.F.S.O) came into force in October 2006. It had the affect of repealing some previous legislation and consolidating and extending the application of earlier legislation. Failure to comply with the provisions of the RRFSO can ultimately result in closure of premises, a business or even imprisonment in more serious cases.
The RRFSO runs in conjunction with recent reforms to Part B of the Building Regulations that control not only new buildings but also alterations to existing structures, particularly the means of escape.
In essence the RRFSO applies to the majority of premises (other than a private dwelling). The main duty holder under the RRFSO is designated the ‘Responsible Person’. This is defined in the order as:
(a) in relation to a workplace, the employer, if the
workplace is to any extent under his control;
(b) in relation to any premises not falling within (a)
(i) the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on by him of a trade, business or other undertaking
(for profit or not); or
(ii) the owner, where the person in control of the premises does not have control in connection with carrying on by that person of a trade, business or other undertaking.
A fundamental part of ensuring that the responsible person has in place the necessary precautions and systems is by carrying out of a ‘Risk Assessment’. Any such Risk Assessment must then be regularly reviewed.
Kirkby & Diamond Chartered Surveyors have the necessary training and expertise to undertake the required Risk Assessment.