There have been great changes in fire legislation in recent years. The Fire Precautions Act that has been the cornerstone of such legislation for the last 30 year has been repealed.  It has been replaced with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

This represents a major change to the way Fire Safety is implemented and policed. It is now the responsibility of those in control of virtually all buildings (single dwellings being an exception) to quantify the risk within their building (or part of it in the case of leaseholders), document the findings and take actions to correct any deficiencies.

Local Fire and Rescue Authorities have the power to inspect these records, issue notices and take prosecutions against those not complying with their duties. They will priorities their resources into checking high risk buildings and activities (and known high risk users!) and most businesses are unlikely to experience the full force of the new law until there is an incident on their premises, at which point any deficiencies in their fire safety strategy will provoke robust action.

Easton Bevins have many years of experience in liaising with local Fire and Rescue Services on all types of buildings and are well placed to advise clients on their duties under the new legislation.  We also have the skills and experience to carry out effective Fire Risk Assessments and specify remedial works and management plans for all types of building from multi-occupancy residential through to large office, retail and commercial premises.