Delay for fire law

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order affects all non-domestic properties in England and Wales, introducing a number of significant changes to the current law.

According to Jim Fitzpatrick, the ODPM Minister responsible for fire safety, "Despite extensive work with stakeholders it is clear that all the guidance documents will not be ready for a full 12-week gap between publication and coming into force on 1 April." A new date will be announced as soon as possible.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order introduces a number of significant changes and bring about a move towards greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises. Fire certificates will also be abolished and cease to have legal status.

Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order will rest with the "responsible person" - in the workplace this is the employer and anyone else who has control of any part of the premises.

The ‘responsible person' will have to carry out a fire risk assessment to identify risks that can be reduced or removed and the extent of general fire precautions. Responsibility for enforcement of the new rules will be with the local fire and rescue service authorities who will carry out regular inspection of properties.

Northern Ireland and Scotland will have their own set of fire safety laws. Fitzpatrick added that "It was of concern to the House that business and enforcers should have adequate time to familiarise themselves with the new regime and guidance and that the coming into force date should, so far as practicable, be timed to coincide as closely as possible with reform of fire safety laws in Scotland."