The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (otherwise known as the FSO) applies to most non-domestic premises used or operated by employers, self employed and voluntary sector within England and Wales.
Why do you need a fire risk assessment?
The FSO requires that a ‘responsible person’ (usually the employer, occupier, owner or site manager) should take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire and ensure safe escape. This means that the ‘responsible person’ should:
- ensure adequate safety training is provided at all times
-
reduce the risk of fire hazards
-
make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the fire hazards and risks and identify general fire precautions
Avoid prosecution
As businesses and property owners continue to be prosecuted for breaches of the FSO, it’s vital that the ‘responsible person’ ensures their premises meet the fire safety regulations. Currently, anyone can provide a fire risk assessment. This has meant that people with very little or no formal training and experience have been able to trade as fire risk assessors. Unfortunately using an untrained and inexperienced assessor will not provide mitigation in court. Worse still, lives could be put at risk.
The Fire Risk Assessment service
North Kesteven building control has trained a surveyor through LABC Consult Fire Risk Assessment process to enable the Council to provide independent knowledge based fire risk assessments. This means that you can be assured that we can carry out your fire risk assessment to the highest standard leaving you worry free.
If you need further information or a competitive quote please contact the Building Control team by telephone or email. Alternatively you can write to or visit a Building Control Officer at our Sleaford Offices: Building Control Services, North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF