With the Grenfell tragedy still fresh in our minds 6 months on, fire safety is back in the headlines as a notable upsurge of fires were reported across the country in the last two months. Buildings implicated in these fires included hotels, multi story car park and a campus in Bristol.
We look at two recent fires and provide guidance of fire safety requirements and the role of the competent person:
A fire in December 2017 broke out in the early hours of the morning at Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lomond. The fire claimed the lives of two of its residents Simon Midgley, 32, and Richard Dyson, 38. More than 200 guests were rushed from the building, with a family of two adults and a child rescued by ladder. The Loch Lomond based hotel announced that it will remain closed while investigations into the blaze and the damage caused continue.
In January this year a fire broke out in the roof of a Bristol University building. Fortunately on this occasion no loss of life was reported. It is reported that around 50 firefighters tackled the blaze in the Grade II listed Fry Building. The investigation found that refurbishment works were being carried out in the roof on Saturday afternoon which is believed to have led to the accidental fire starting.
Since the inception of the Sentencing Guidance in 2016, record fines for contraventions of fire safety requirements have been issued. In certain instances, individuals have also been jailed. Previously, Bristol based, Bengal Raj restaurant had been found guilty of breaking numerous fire safety laws. Zamshed Alam’s restaurant owner had been jailed for 6 months for contraventions which included failure to carry out a fire risk assessment, obstruction of fire exit routes and failure to fit an appropriate fire alarm.
The role of the responsible person for management of fire safety
Adhering to basic fire safety requirements could save your business from a possible disaster and unnecessary loss of life.
The Responsible Person
Firstly, it is important to understand the meaning of the term, ‘Responsible Person’.
The responsible person can either be 1) the employer, 2) the owner of the premises and 3) the person who controls the premises.
Companies do not specifically have to appoint someone to be the responsible person, it can be a person by default. i.e. you become the responsible person by virtue of the job that you do.
Duties of the responsible persons
The responsible person must ensure that any duties imposed by Articles 8 to 24 of Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 is complied with respect of those premises.
The key duties are broken down as follows:
Key considerations:
If the business employs more than 5 people, then a written Fire Risk Assessment needs to be completed. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in a conviction which is a penalty of 2 years plus a fine.
At CSC, our team of experts are able to advise on all matters relating to fire safety legislation. We can help ensure that your business is kept safe.
Contact CSC for further advice on how to implement systems to protect your business from the risk of fire safety
Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-42612537
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-42445504
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACp_WMaIRzg#t=25