Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, supported by Business Link, is pleased to invite you to an informal and free business lunch to unravel the myths associated with fire safety regulations for business.

We will explain in clear, concise terms, the implications of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 upon businesses, many of whom do not comply with current requirements of the Fire Safety Order and are putting themselves at risk. After attending this event, you will leave with a greater understanding of the requirements and a helpful toolkit to guide you through the process of compliance.

This is an increasingly important issue, as the emphasis is now on individual businesses to manage any fire risk in their premises. Fire authorities no longer issue fire certificates and those previously in force will have no legal status.

So don’t take a risk; join us at this free event, sponsored by Business Link.

The event is to held in The Alex Stock Lounge at Yeovil Town Football Club on: 23rd February, 24th March & 22nd April 2010. Commencing at 1100hrs and finishing after lunch at 1430hrs (each event is limited to 100 delegates).

For further details please contact Duncan White – djwhite@dsfire.gov.uk
Bookings will be taken and managed by the Yeovil Group Support Team – 01935 382000

You can book your place via Buslink on: 0845 600 9966

Ends

Note
Duncan White is available for interviews - djwhite@dsfire.gov.uk

Please contact Press Officer Suzie Izzard on 01392 872296 email sizzard@dsfire.gov.uk if media wish to attend.

Background info for Editors

On 1st October 2006, fire safety legislation was updated and now combines or replaces previous fire safety law.

An explanatory extract provided by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is reproduced below with minor amendments.

“The main effect of the changes has been towards greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises, including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes.

Fire certificates issued under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 are abolished and cease to have legal status.

The Fire Safety Order covers 'general fire precautions' and other fire safety duties which are needed to protect people in case of fire, in and around most premises. The Order requires fire precautions to be put in place ‘where necessary’ and to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable in the circumstances of the case.

Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order rests with the 'responsible person'. In a workplace, this is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, e.g. the occupier or owner. In all other premises the person or people in control of the premises are responsible. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises, all must take all reasonable steps to work with each other.

If you are the responsible person you will have to carry out a fire risk assessment which must focus on the safety in case of fire of all 'relevant persons'. It should pay particular attention to those at special risk, such as the disabled and those with special needs, and must include consideration of any dangerous substance likely to be on the premises. Your fire risk assessment will help you identify risks that can be removed or reduced and to decide the nature and extent of the general fire precautions you need to take to protect people against the fire risks that remain.

If you employ five or more people, or if your premises are Licensed or Registered, you must record the significant findings of the assessment.