With the regulatory reform (fire safety) Order due to come into force in April 2006, BRE has been contracted by the government to draft eight of the 11 guidance documents supporting the legislation.
The new risk assessment-based regime requires people who are responsible for premises used by the public to take action to prevent fires, and to protect against death and injury should a fire occur.
The guides will give advice on most types of premises where a duty to undertake the fire safety risks assessment applies. They cover the following types of premises and sites:
– offices and shops
– premises providing sleeping accommodation
– residential care premises
– small and medium places of assembly
– large places of assembly
– factories and warehouses
– theatres and cinemas
– educational premises
– healthcare premises
– transport interchanges
– open air events.
The first guide for offices and shops has already been drafted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. This will be used as a template for the others to create a consistent approach.
Each guide will be in two parts: the first will explain how to undertake a fire safety risk assessment; and the second part will provide further guidance on fire precautions.
The guides are said to be designed to be understood by those who have to comply with the new legislative regime, and not just by fire safety experts. They are due to be published early in the new year, prior to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, which is expected to come into effect in April 2006.
