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WARNING: The entire content of this Property Handbook has been prepared by members of PLATO. It has been carefully checked, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed, neither at the date of preparation nor when viewed or printed. Accordingly, neither the members of PLATO nor the United Reformed Church can accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information the handbook contains.

 

Fire Safety

251

 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 replaces all previous fire regulations and makes significant changes to the way that fire safety is managed in premises. In particular, “fire certificates” are no longer issued (existing ones cease to have effect) and responsibility for ensuring compliance with the regulations lies with a specific individual – the “responsible person.”

 

The Order is very broad in its remit. It applies whether or not there are employees at the premises and it covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space. Private dwellings are the only premises specifically excluded but Manses are included because of the nature of their ownership, occupation and use.

 

Where churches already have effective fire safety measures in place (e.g., warning systems, procedures for evacuation and provision of fire fighting equipment) little extra work should be needed. However, it is now a requirement that a fire risk assessment must be carried out and recorded and that it be regularly reviewed.

 

Fire Risk Assessment

 

The fire risk assessment will include:

• Identifying hazards (sources of ignition, fuel, etc)

• Identifying people at risk (in and near the premises)

• Removal or reduction of risk and protection measures

• Recording, planning, instruction and training

• Reviewing and implementing changes

The formalisation of this process should ensure that the necessary inspection and testing of gas and electrical equipment is carried out and that good housekeeping standards are maintained in all of our premises. Each church will need to appoint a “responsible person” (or more than one) to manage this process and ensure that records of inspections and resulting actions are entered in the Church Property Log Book (or other appropriate document).

 

Further information

 

Further information on the regulations and specific guidance for carrying out fire risk assessments are contained in the HM Government booklet A Short Guide to Making your Premises Safe from Fire.

 

This may be obtained free from:

DCLG Publications

PO Box 236

WETHERBY

LS23 7NB

 

or by downloading from the following website:

 

www.firesafetyguides.communities.gov.uk

 

Notes

 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies in England and Wales. Similar regulations for Scotland are contained in Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

 

The fire risk assessment required by these regulations is in addition to the general risk assessment of premises and activities to be carried out in compliance with Health & Safety legislation (>271).