New fire rules hit in October
New fire regulations affecting all businesses in England and Wales - including pubs - are now due to come into force on October 1. The new rules - the most significant reform of fire legislation in 30 years - were originally due in April, but were deferred to give businesses more time to prepare.
It will see a significant shift of responsibility to owners and employers, who will be required to assess any fire risks on their premises and act to reduce them.
Licensees will be responsible, not only for customers and employees, but anyone else in the immediate vicinity.
Publicans and companies that fail to meet the new standards - as part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order - will face prosecution and risk insurance companies re-examining their warranties.
As the "responsible person" in their workplace, licensees will be liable for complying with the new rules - set out by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).
ODPM minister responsible for fire safety Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Over the coming months, we will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure those affected have the support they need."
In a move which mirrors the Licensing Act, the new regulations will be whittled down from across more than 70 pieces of legislation to just one.
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, advised licensees to ensure they had carried out a full fire risk assessment. He added: "It's important publicans carry out the correct procedures to ensure they are covered by their insurance."
Tailored guidelines are being prepared for "small and medium places of assembly", which includes pubs.
What will new rules mean?
- Responsibility for complying with the new rules will rest with the "responsible person" in a workplace, ie the licensee
- The "responsible person" must carry out a fire risk assessment focusing on the safety, in case of fire, of all "relevant persons"
- If you employ five or more people you must record the significant findings of the assessment
- Fire safety certificates will be abolished and cease to have legal status
- The new rules will apply only in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland will have their own laws.
Go to www.firesafetyguides.odpm.gov.uk.
