REFORM COMPLETED!
The new law which comes into force next April consolidates existing fire legislation. At present fire safety laws are scattered across more than 70 pieces of legislation.
It also improves fire safety by placing the responsibility for fire safety on the employer or 'responsible person' for that building or premises. He or she will be required to assess the risks of fire and take steps to reduce or remove them.In addition, businesses will no longer need a fire certificate - though fire and rescue authorities will still continue to inspect premises and ensure adequate fire precautions
"The reform of fire safety legislation will improve public safety by placing a greater focus on fire prevention. It is also good for business and the Fire and Rescue Service as it will make fire safety legislation easier to understand.
"We have worked with representatives from business, the Fire and Rescue Service, trade unions and other bodies in bringing forward this change - the largest single reform of fire safety legislation in over 30 years.
"But, its completion through Parliament is not the end. We'll now work with our partners to produce guidance to assist businesses in meeting the legal requirements of the order before it comes into force next April."
The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order is the largest order to be brought forward under the Regulatory Reform Act and the changes have been subject to extensive consultation. It is intended that the guidance documents will be available early in 2006.
The reform applies to England and Wales.
1. Consultation on the reform of fire safety legislation, which included all major stakeholders such as CFOA and the unions took place in 2002.
2. The reform repeals the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and amends or removes wherever possible the many other provisions dealing with fire safety contained in other legislation.
3. It was implemented under the Regulatory Reform Act. This Act was intended to allow Ministers to reform over-complex regulatory regimes.
4. The order was laid before Parliament on 10 May 2004 and since then has been subject to Parliamentary scrutiny. The order was approved by the House of Commons on 24 May 2005 and by the House of Lords on 7 June 2005.
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