The biggest single reform in UK Fire Safety Legislation in 30 years is just around the corner!

From April, Employers must:
• Take such general fire precautions as will ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of employees or those working in premises over which they have control; and
• They must carry out an assessment of the risks of fire to these people that is “suitable and sufficient” to ensure that the premises are safe.

However businesses which employ less than five people are not effected by these new rules.

So, from April, the employer or person responsible for premises where five or more people work - even in the voluntary sector – will need to show that they have carried out an appropriate assessment of the fire risks for the premises and have taken whatever steps are necessary to reduce or remove the risk.

They will also need to keep this risk assessment under regular review and the HSE and Fire Services will be carrying out on the spot inspections. What's more worrying is that insurance companies may use non compliance with the new legislation as an excuse not to pay out in the event of a claim.

A series of guidance documents will be available early in 2006, providing detailed information on how to carry out these risk assessments and related matters.

In the meantime companies like the Emergency Evacuation Company are around to help. As part of the Health & Safety Group, they have been carrying out assessments of this kind for a number of years. What's more they also have detailed knowledge of the new legislation and its requirements.

They can perform the fire safety risk assessment on employers behalf, providing a full evaluation of the fire safety hazards of the premises together with a clear and concise report on how to minimize the fire risks. It will also include a review of the provision and positioning of all fire extinguishers, signage and evacuation equipment. They can also, as a follow up, provide fire safety training – from fire awareness through to fire management.

The Emergency Evacuation Company can be contacted by phoning 0871 200 3438 or by logging on to – www.emergency-evacuation.co.uk – which also contains a wealth of information and advice.