Major Fire Safety Reform Date Delayed

The Government is to give business and fire safety experts more time to get ready for new regulations.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has put back the coming into force of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, made in June 2005, which will affect all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. A new date will be announced as soon as possible.

The Minister responsible for fire safety Jim Fitzpatrick advices that "despite extensive work with stakeholders it is clear that all the guidance documents will not be ready for a full 12-week gap between publication and coming into force on 1 April 2006."

The Government will now bring an Order, under article 52 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, to amend the coming into force date of the new regime before the House as quickly as possible.

Recently, the Scottish Authorities announced that more time should be allowed for reform North of the Border and the new rules in Scotland are now expected to come into force in October 2006 at the earliest. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Health and Safety Spokesperson, Mary Boughton, said:

"This is an important reform and it is therefore vital that it is implemented successfully. People's lives could depend on it. Many of our members will be ready for the original date, which will mean that they will be compliant well in advance, but it also allows those that are coming to terms with this reform on top of their everyday business concerns more time to comply and to seek advice where necessary."

The ODPM is working with stakeholders on a publicity strategy to raise awareness of the new laws amongst those affected. There will also be a series of guides published to assist those preparing fire risk assessments.

For more information see:http://www.firesafetyguides.odpm.gov.uk

Source: GNN News Release

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