Diamond Electronic Systems

Fire Risk Assessment

NI Fire Safety Order

The legislation regarding fire safety regulations in your premises is changing.  Part 3 of the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 came into effect on 15 November 2010. This simplifies existing Fire Safety legislation in non-domestic premises and reinforces the modern risk based approach to fire prevention.  The Fire Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 was repealed on 15 November 2010 and the previous fire certification process ceased.  Existing premises that have previously been subjected to that Order will most likely be compliant in terms of their Fire Safety measures.  However, it is now necessary for those premises to have a current Fire Risk Assessment.

If a Fire Risk Assessment for the premises has been carried out under the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 and this assessment has been regularly reviewed, then all that should be required is a revision of that assessment taking into account the wider scope of the new legislation as described in the guidance documents.

Who is responsible?

The legislation significantly changes the ways in which employers and people in control of premises are required to manage fire safety. Responsibility for fire safety in the workplace now clearly rests with the employer and those with any degree of control of premises (deemed the appropriate person).  They must take reasonable steps to:

- Reduce the risk from fire
- Ensure people are able to escape safely if there is a fire

What are the implications for businesses?

- fire certificates will no longer be issued
- each individual company will be responsible for fire safety
- all businesses must conduct Fire Risk Assessments which must be documented where there are five or more employees or if the premises is licensed
- fire officers will have greater authority to gain access to premises and remove samples following a fire
- each location will have an identifiable 'responsible person' who takes full corporate responsibility
- the 'responsible person' should contract a competent supplier, relevant to fire safety products and services, who has 'the appropriate skills and experience'. They should have proof of this so that it can be produced at an inspection, pre or post incident. Certification provided by a 3rd party UKAS certified company achieves this.

Who will enforce the law?

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service will be the enforcing authority in respect of the majority of premises and will visit premises to ensure compliance with Fire Safety legislation.

What premises does the legislation apply to?

 The law applies to almost all premises which are not private dwellings.  Examples include:
- Offices and shops;
- Premises that provide care including care homes and hospitals;
- Pubs, clubs and restaurants;
- Places of worship;
- Educational establishments including schools;
- Theatres and cinemas;
- Sports centres and other community premises;
- Hotels and hostels;
- Guest houses and B&B accommodation;
- Shared areas of properties common to several households;
- Houses in multiple occupation;
- Factories and warehouses;
- Tents and marquees;
- Transport premises and facilities;
- Animal premises and stables;
- Open air events and venues.

It does not apply to people’s private homes including individual flats in a block or house.

Let us help you with compliance

The responsibility for fire safety in your premises falls on the 'Responsible person' - the owner or occupier. This is laid down in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in England and Wales and Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 which came into force on 1st October 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 that came into effect on 15 November 2010.

To ensure that you meet these responsibilities, you need to be sure that any supplier of fire protection services has the skills and procedures to ensure that you receive the level of protection that your staff, customers and your property require.

The emphasis is now placed on the responsible person designated by the owner or occupier of every relevant property to conduct a fire risk assessment.  Where a fire detection and alarm system is required, the onus is on the responsible person to be able to prove it is fit for purpose.

Whether you’re an influencer, specifier, user or buyer the most effective way of achieving this is to contract a third party certificated contractor. Rest assured that the services provided by Diamond Electronic Systems Ltd will give you the confidence that your obligations are being met through our 3rd party UKAS accredited schemes. We offer Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance services as well as Verification of the same.

Remember - We have invested in our skills so that you can meet your responsibilities. Effective fire detection and alarm systems are a key component of fire risk management for any commercial, public or multi-occupancy premises.

Assurances

As an accredited NSI (NACOSS) GOLD BAFE SP203 3rd party UKAS Certified company, Diamond Systems clients can be assured that our systems will be designed, installed commissioned and maintained in compliance with all the latest UK and European legislation.