Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) (RRO).

What is the Fire Safety Order?

The RRO was introduced to simplify, rationalise and consolidate the myriad of existing legislation.

This should also lead to an annual estimated total cost saving of approximating £1.7m for businesses, as fire certificates will no longer be required.

Longer-term savings in excess of £100m, should be achieved due to a reduction in workplace fires.

When did the Order take affect?

The Order came into force on 1st October 2006

What are the requirements of the RRO?

The RRO requires that employers designate a ‘responsible person’ to carry out fire risk assessments that include:

• the safety of employees and visitors to the site
• fire fighter safety when entering the site during or following an incident
• protection of property
• employees’ job security
• environmental impact

What are the implications for businesses?

• Fire certificates will no longer be issued
• each individual company will be responsible for fire safety
• all businesses must conduct Fire Risk Assessments which must be documented where there are five or more employees. A series of guides published by the Communities & Local Government Department to assist with the preparation of fire risk assessments. click here
• fire officers will have greater authority to gain access to premises and remove samples following a fire
• each location will have an identifiable ‘responsible person’ who takes full corporate responsibility
• the ‘responsible person’ should contract a competent supplier, relevant to fire safety products and services, who has ‘the appropriate skills and experience’. They should have proof of this so that it can be produced at an inspection, pre or post incident. Certification provided by an NSI Fire Gold or Fire Silver approved company achieves this.

Who is the ‘responsible person’?

• the employer with control of the workplace or,
• the person with overall responsibility for a building or,
• the occupier of the premises or,
• owners of premises such as empty buildings

For further information, click here