Fire Systems

A Change in the Law - Affecting Everybody

The “Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order” came into effect in October 2006. This order replaced 118 pieces of legislation, the most significant being the repeal of the “Fire Precautions Act 1971”.
The new legislation firmly places a responsibility on the “responsible person” and outlines all the measures that must be taken to ensure the safety of all the people that he/she is directly or indirectly responsible for. The Enforcing authority will make sure that it is enacted (by the use of large penalties or force if necessary).

The responsible person must ;

  • Carry out a full risk assessment, and update it on any changes to the premises or working practices.
  • Produce a policy
  • Develop evacuation procedures
  • Provide Staff Training
  • Regular Fire Drills
  • Provide and maintain a clear means of escape, signs & notices
  • Provide for a Fire Alarm system and Fire Extinguishers, designed in line with the risk assessment.

The Order goes on to say that the responsible person must appoint one or more “Competent Person” to assist them. The “competent person/organisation” must have sufficient training, experience and knowledge with a third party accreditation to prove competency.

Pritchard Security Ltd can operate as your Competent Person.
We have undergone extensive training and passed the relevant examinations (certificates available for examination) to be able to provide you with a means of contracting out the bulk of your legal requirement, whilst ensuring that you are complying with your legal responsibilities. In short, we can give you proof of competency !

Services Offered

  • Full documented risk assessment.

  • Design of the appropriate Fire detection system based upon the risk assessment.

  • Provision of all statutory signs and notices.

  • Full Installation of the Fire Detection and Alarm system and Emergency lighting.

  • Ongoing preventative maintenance to BS5839-1, with inclusive updates on your legal requirements to all our maintained customers.

  • We work with service partners to provide your full fire extinguisher requirements.

  • Fire Consultancy.

For a FREE full review of your current Fire requirements
please contact us on 01446 771111 or 01633 842300

 

  

KEY WORDS

Responsible person
The person who owns the premises / business or the person with control over the activities therein.

Competent Person

This can be anybody appointed by the responsible person-but they must be able to provide documented proof of competency.

Inspector

Person appointed by the enforcing authority (normally a fire officer but could be from the HSE or local authority).

Enforcement

Failure to comply may result in a fine or up to 2 years in jail.

Fire Risk Assessment

The cornerstone of the Order. This must be reviewed regularly and amended if necessary. It must be formally recorded if the responsible person employs 5 or more staff, the premises are licensed or the inspector requires it.

Maintenance

All equipment provided for the purpose of fire safety or for the use or protection of fire fighters must be maintained and kept in good order.