29 Nov 2005

With current fire safety law contained in over 70 different pieces of legislation, business managers in England and Wales will welcome the Government’s decision to reform the legislation to make it simpler and more accessible.

The reforms aim to improve fire safety by making it the responsibility of the employer or 'responsible person', who will be required to assess the risks of fire and take steps to reduce or remove them. Under the reforms, which also replace the 1971 Fire Prevention Act, businesses will no longer need a fire certificate - though fire and rescue authorities will still continue to inspect premises and ensure adequate fire precautions are in place.

Guidance on compliance with the measures, which are to be introduced in April 2006, will be available in the new year. For further details, click here.