Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

In October 2006 one of the most important changes in Fire Regulatory Law came into effect. Are you Compliant?

What is the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (RRFSO)?
It is the new legislation that covers fire safety in all non domestic properties and introduces the most significant changes to Fire Safety Legislation for many years.

This piece of legislation is designed to roll up nearly all the preceding pieces of UK Fire Safety legislation into one comprehensive law. It’s focus is risk reduction and fire prevention.

When did the RRFSO come into effect?
The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 was approved by Parliament on 7th June 2005, and came into force on 1st October 2006.

Who is affected by the RRFSO?
This new order affects all non-domestic premises, including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes. If you employ five or more people you must document your Fire Risk Assessment and any significant findings.

Who is responsible in my company for regulating the RRFSO?
The following statement was recorded by the Government in response to this question:
‘Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order will rest with the ‘responsible person.’ In a workplace, this is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises e.g. the occupier or owner. In all other premises the person or people in control of the premises will be responsible. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises, all must take all reasonable steps to work each other.’
This Responsible Person takes full corporate liability for the requirements.

What does the RRFSO include?
In summary;

• Each company is responsible for their own fire safety arrangements. The Responsible Person must conduct a Fire Risk Assessment of their company, it’s practices and it’s premises or nominate a competent supplier who can demonstrate ‘the appropriate skills and experience’ to carry out the same.
• The new RRFSO explicitly details that the fire safety arrangements of a company must go beyond employee safety only, it must now include provision for visitors, contractors, other occupants and persons in the vicinity of the building, including also persons of special risk, the elderly, young people, the disabled and those with special need. This should be documented within the Fire Risk Assessment.
• The scope of the Fire Risk Assessment should go beyond the protection of life, it should also address property safety, the safety of the environment surrounding the property and the protection of the Fire Brigade. The RRFSO also puts emphasis on business continuity and containing and preventing the spread of small fires with appropriate fire extinguisher provision.
• Fire Certificates will cease to be issued. The Fire Brigade can advise on Fire Risk Assessments but cannot carry these out for you.

How can AGF Fire Protection Ltd help me meet the requirements of the RRFSO?
AGF Fire Protection Ltd. currently provide annual fire risk assessments for large multi-national, international and blue chip companies. All our consultants are trained to the highest standards and have a wealth of knowledge that can only be gained by experience.

We are proud to boast that we offer the most comprehensive fire safety service currently available on the market for further details of what we include within our Fire Risk Assessments please contact us.

How often do we have to update our Fire Risk Assessment?
When changes are made in the workplace, which have an effect on the fire risk, people at risk or a control measure, the responsible person(s) must update their fire risk assessment to ensure that any significant changes are effectively addressed. The fire risk assessment otherwise should be re-visited every twelve months.

How much will it cost?
Our fire risk assessment costs are based upon the size of the premises and the fire risks associated with your scope of business. Our prices are also a reflection of the investment that we as a company make into hiring the finest Assessors and maintaining their training and qualifications to the highest level. We endeavour to offer a superior quality of service to all our clients whilst keeping our costs competitive.