Fire Safety Regulations Ignored
Jan 1, 2010
Many businesses are unaware of the responsibilities placed on them by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, despite it coming into effect over a year ago.
A recent survey showed that just 62% of businesses questioned were aware of the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. A similar survey carried out just before the order came into effect last year showed that 57% were aware of the regulations at that time.
Worryingly, the survey also revealed that some businesses had clearly over-estimated their knowledge of the order, with only 55% of firms of all sizes knowing that the rules had come into effect on 1 October 2006.
In addition, the study revealed that over a third of businesses had failed to carry out a fire safety risk assessment which were in fact already a legal requirement before the order came into effect.
If the fire authority inspect a property and believe there is a very serious risk to life, they can issue a notice preventing people from using all or part of the premises therefore making it imperative that companies comply with these regulations, not only are they a legal requirement but they can also save lives.
