The 2006 Fire Regulations affect you if you have premises that are open to the public.
The legislations cover all premises to which the public have access. All b&bs, self catering units, (even those paying domestic rates) hotels, shops, bars, restaurants etc. Even premises hosting charity events on an adhoc basis need to comply. A small b&b in a standard house will have to fit linked smoke detectors as a minimum and may well need to make structural alterations. Professional advice must be sort for larger establishments such as hotels.
Fire officers remain enforcers of the law, but are no longer allowed to act in an advisory role.
If the Fire Service takes enforcement action against premises, the Fire Service is required by law to post the information on its website.
All businesses must have a risk assessment. The responsible person for the premises should obtain the relevant Guide to ensure that they comply with the law. It is not necessary to stick rigidly to the specifications within the Guide but any alternative solution must be “of equal weight”. Guides are available for purchase from bookshops - The Fire Safety Regulations for Sleeping Accommodation costs £12 or you can download a pdf here. Table 1 on page 55 is of key importance and relevance to small businesses. A risk assessment form is also available to download, you may find this useful but you can use your own if you prefer.
Fire Safety Regulations for Sleeping Accommodation Guide
Standards for static caravans are under review, but at present they should have a risk assessment and meet the standards of the licence previously issued. However, buildings in a holiday park are subject to the new regulations and the holiday park will need different risk assessments and precautions for different premises – chalets, bar & restaurant, etc.
Consultancy
There are many consultants operating, some may be excellent but some may give inappropriate and inconsistent advice. Before engaging a consultant, the advice is to ask questions:-
- Can any of your colleagues recommend a consultant they’ve used?
- Has the consultant an accreditation? What did gaining the accreditation entail?
- Whether he (she) has or hasn’t an accreditation, ask about his experience – is he an ex fire officer? How long did he serve in the Fire Service?
- How well does he know the Guide (for sleeping accommodation.)
- Can he supply references from other businesses that he has assisted?
- Has he evidence of recent work and independence?
Various organisations offer a degree of training but there is currently no universal accreditation for those best qualified to offer independent advice to businesses. The following organisations have accredited members. (Please note the Fire Service is unable to recommend any particular consultant or organisation).
Cost of Compliance
Cost of Compliance need not necessarily be expensive. For example with wiring from a lighting circuit and wireless technology, a linked smoke detector system may be achieved for a b&b, for as little as £60-£70 per room and without the need for major rewiring. The advice is to shop around.
Please note
- The booklet entitled “The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – A short guide to making your premises safe from fire’ has been inappropriately circulated to all quality assessed businesses in England. It is meant for household use only.
- Failure to have a risk assessment could mean that a business is not covered by insurance.
- The new Corporate Manslaughter legislation comes into effect in April 08 and will have a great bearing on the issue of responsibility and liability. For example, if a business fails to meet fire standards and someone dies as a result of a fire, the responsible person(s) could be charged with Corporate Manslaughter.
