On 1 October 2006 the most significant change to UK fire safety legislation will take place with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO)
Ceram, the centre for materials and technology, is hosting a seminar on the morning of 13 September 2006, which will explain the implications of the changes and the impact they will have on businesses.
The seminar is open to Ceram members and non member companies.
The RRO is designed to roll up nearly all the preceding pieces of UK Fire Safety legislation into one comprehensive law.
It's most significant actions in this respect are to repeal the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and to revoke to Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.
Tom Tomkinson of Ceram highlighted some of the changes: "Fire Certificates will be abolished and no longer issued.
"The main responsibility falls on the responsible person or persons who are designated responsible for fire safety.
"Initially they must conduct a fire risk assessment regardless of the size of the risk and take full corporate liability for any incident.
"The extended scope of consideration will now include property safety, fire fighter safety and the environment around the site.
"The responsible person would have a duty to protect all risks but must also appoint one or more competent person(s) to assist in the delivery of the above".
Failure to carry out these responsibilities may result in Enforcement by the Enforcing Authority through the actions of an Inspector.
Conviction of failing to comply may lead to a penalty consisting of a fine or up to two years imprisonment.
Ceram's seminar will explain clearly who the responsible person(s) is as well as explaining their duties and responsibilities in full.
