The Fire Industry Association (FIA) this month reported that following the first prison sentence for breaches of the Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety Order), that other UK fire services have bought successful prosecution to numerous non-compliant organisations. These include substantial fines against a range of businesses including care homes, restaurant proprietors, small business owners and property managers.

The prosecutions emphasize the requirement of all responsible persons or duty holders to carry out a thorough Fire Risk Assessment on all non-domestic properties as well as ensuring this information and adequate education is provided to all building users and visitors. This includes those responsible for fire safety equipment checks or emergency evacuations procedures.

The FIA highlight not only the need to carry out Fire Risk Assessments but also the importance of implementing its findings, whether they result from an external professional inspection or from competent internal individuals.

The number of prosecutions due to inadequate fire safety provisions is set to increase in the UK although good news comes form figures released by the government showing that the total number of fires in the UK is down 10% on last year, their lowest since 1988. Check http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/researchandstatistics/firestatistics for further information. And publications.

If you have any questions relating to Fire Safety responsibilities in properties please get in touch on 01189889999 or send an email to info@hbi.co.uk