GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE The Fire Safety Order 2005 John O’Leary B.Eng (Hons) FIFireE Head of Risk Reduction

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Aims & Objectives Awareness of new legislation –Background & development Your responsibilities The enforcer’s responsibilities Requirements for risk assessment –Who –When –How –Record Further information

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Background Most complex Order made under The Regulatory Reform Act Consolidates over 100 pieces of primary legislation and regulations in respect of fire safety.

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE WHY REFORM ? Fire laws developed over time Piecemeal development Often resulting from large tragic fires Many pieces of legislation apply at the same time, with different enforcers The morass of law is difficult to understand

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE What does the Reform mean ? Consolidated law with fewer enforcers Key tool for business and enforcers to prevent and save lives Elevates prevention to the same level as protection

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Scope of the Order Virtually all premises, with the exception of single domestic dwellings. Anyone who is lawfully on the premises is a relevant person and their safety in case of fire must be considered.

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Repeals the Fire Precautions Act and fire certificates. Repeals the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations. General fire safety conditions attached to any type of license or certificate have no effect. Major changes

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Major changes Some high risk premises can be served ‘alterations notices’. But if you are complying with current fire safety legislation then, in most cases, you will not need to do anymore.

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Carry out a fire risk assessment. Reduce fire risks. Manage those risks that remain. Provide measures to protect people from fire Maintain all fire safety provisions Train staff and provide information Review when risk changes Major changes

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Who is responsible ? Employers (Where there is one) Occupiers (includes self employed) Owners Others where thy have a contract or tenancy that gives them a degree of control over safety issues( including contractors who install and maintain fire protection measures)

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

Contents of a risk assessment Information on: The building The occupants The loss experience Fire hazards and control measures Fire protection measures Management of fire safety The assessment of risk A suitable action plan Date for review

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE The Fire Risk Assessor Competency is not a requirement of the legislation Does not need to be third party e.g. consultant Specialist skills not required for small, simple premises For more complex premises may need comprehensive training May be in house

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Responsible Person must ensure the safety of persons so far as is reasonably practicable Primarily Employers. Workplace or not every person who has to any extent control e.g. owner, managing agents, etc or By virtue of any contract or tenancy an obligation to any extent re maintenance/ repair or safety.

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Enforcement The Fire Authority will continue to inspect, audit and investigate. Open, clear and proportionate in accordance with Enforcement Concordat e educate and inform E Enforcement enforcement/prohibition/ prosecution notices

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Comparative Risks Audited on a regular basis Audited on a sampled or occasional basis

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Must have suitable fire warning and detection In small simple premises no background noise. A shouted warning may be OK. Where given at one point and cannot be heard throughout. Electrical system maybe needed. Where escape routes may be affected prior to person discovering e.g. large, noisy, complex, unoccupied areas, multi-occupied premises (common parts). AFD maybe needed.

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Maintenance Maintenance of General Fire Precautions requirements. Firefighter facilities (required under any enactment e.g. Building Regs or Local Act, even if revoked). Competent person. FIRE SAFETY RECORDS

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Further information Eleven sector specific guidance books will be published (currently 9). The Government have run a series of full day seminars for businesses January – March 2006.

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Further information Simple Advice Booklets are available and F&RS will continue to provide information to businesses.

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Summary New legislation 1 October 2006 Your responsibilities The enforcer’s responsibilities Requirements for risk assessment Further information from F&RS websites and Dept of Communities and Local Government

GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE Questions ?