March 8, 2006—New fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales will come into force in October the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has announced.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO), made in June 2005, is the biggest overhaul of fire safety legislation in decades. It was originally due to come into force in April. However in January the ODPM announced it was deferring to give business and stakeholders more time to prepare.
Announcing the new date in a written statement, the ODPM Minister responsible for fire safety Jim Fitzpatrick said on March 6: “The Government’s over-riding aim is to save more people from death and injury by reducing risk and preventing fires. Over the coming months, we will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that all those affected by the new rules have the support that they need.”
The main effect of the changes in the RRO will be a move toward greater emphasis on fire prevention in all non-domestic premises, including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes. Fire certificates will be abolished and will cease to have legal status.
For more information, visit the Web site of the ODP.
