"However once firms hear from us they are springing into action, so by the time we have carried out an audit more than half those targeted are legally compliant. Another 40 % are almost there - we will work with them to get it right," said Tim Birchall, Area Fire Safety Manager.

Phone calls, letters, leaflets, business talks and seminars are all being used by BLFRS to get the message home to businesses: You are acting illegally if you are not FSO compliant.

The change in legislation has created much work for BLFRS with firefighters having to be trained in undertaking the new audit process and specialist Fire Safety Officers undertaking more in-depth audits of premises with a higher level of fire risk. Nearly 2,500 "jobs" have been completed that includes nearly 350 audits being carried out.

The remaining 10% are companies which are a long way from meeting FSO regulations, should they fail to improve the standards of fire safety they run the risk of being served an enforcement notice and ultimately prosecution.

"We are still working with these firms to bring these premises up to standard as they are allowed time to put their house in order - but we will be considering prosecutions in 2008 if they do not show willing," added Tim.

Hotel fire safety came under the spotlight in the summer of 2007 when lives were lost in a hotel blaze in Cornwall. Beds and Luton has 115 hotels which used to have a Fire Certificate under the old Fire Precautions Act. All have been inspected and a few were deemed to be below standard, they have now been given action plans to improve.

"We do not walk away from any premises leaving them unsafe for people," said Tim, "We do, however, allow businesses the chance to bring themselves up to the new improved standards of the FSO - and we will scrutinise their actions throughout the process".

In addition to FSO work, the Area Fire Safety Managers and their teams become involved in specific projects. One particular challenge was the conversion of the historical Luton Hoo in to a top class hotel, ensuring that the provision of fire safety is not compromised, whilst at the same time maintaining the integrity and character of the building . These specialist fire safety skills will be the key in 2008 with the proposed Center Parcs complex requiring specific fire safety solutions that will necessitate sprinklers to ensure public safety.

"A strong economy creates expansion and Bedfordshire and Luton are at the forefront with the re development of the Bedford Town centre, the Wixams and potentially Nirah".

Complex planning applications have to be considered for fire appliance access and once approved all Building Regulations applications have to be vetted to ensure the fire safety standards meet national requirements before occupancy. "Once occupied the fire risk assessment may determine additional measures under the FSO, this is where the audit process comes into its own and ensures that the premises can be occupied safely."

With an increasing migrant population the provision of suitable accommodation is an issue across Bedfordshire and Luton, fire safety officers along with Environmental Health Officers have been proactive in routing out accommodation above commercial outlets. Already this year 3 premises have been served a prohibition notice as the risk to the occupants on the upper floors was too great to accept., numerous others have received formal notices and action plans to upgrade fire safety standards.

Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs) can be a cause of concern for BLFRS if crews are repeatedly called to false alarms. Again fire safety officers working directly with the worst offenders has reduced this problem considerably. However if the organisation fails to work with the fire service and improvements are not made then formal action can be taken.

"What people must understand is that we are trying to implement regulations which will save people's lives as well as save their business. If a company has a fire when it has failed to conform to the FSO the likelihood of death or injury is increased - the fire safety measures put in place will not only be scrutinised by the fire service but by their insurance company as well, ultimately they could be prosecuted". Added Tim,

"It simply makes good business sense to check - go to www.bedsfire.com and follow the links to see for yourself."

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