Alarm Bells are ringing within the Small Business community as Fire (Safety) spreads across the entire province at an alarming rate. The “burning issue” has ignited interest in all areas of business as a proactive approach to “Fire Safety” in the workplace is being fuelled by new Fire Safety Legislation. As Government begins to fan away the smokescreen of complicated legislation, the message rising from the ashes is simple; employers must assume responsibility and “Fight Fire” with “Fire Safety”
Fire Safety within the workplace is extremely important, both from a Health and Safety perspective and from a business point of view. It is estimated that approximately 75% of business that suffer a major fire never fully recover. A more harrowing possibility also exists, the potential for injury to staff or loss of life in a fire incident. This will require the attention of the Health and Safety Executive and could lead to a charge of “Corporate Manslaughter” if certain safeguards or preventative measures have not been taken, i.e. if “Gross Negligence” is proven.
Insurance companies are also feeling the strain if fire damage. Fire claims in the UK have topped one billion for the first time, according to figures released by the association of British Insurers. Figures show that insurers paid out £790 Million in 2005 in commercial fire damage claims, a rise of 60% on 2004 figures, with an additional 220 Million in business interruption claims as a result of fires. It is expected that one in every 100 businesses properties will make a fire related claims this year. Obviously, these cost are not going to be absorbed by the insurance industries. All businesses are going to pay the price.
In Northern Ireland, in 2001, as part of a series of Health and Safety regulations, new fire precautions (workplace) regulations were introduced. This was a direct result of European Union Directives which made it a requirement on the UK government to introduce “Risk Assessed” biased Fire Precautions. These new “regulations” differ from previous regulations in that, instead of being entirely “perceptive”, the onus is now placed on the owner-occupier or “responsible person” of the property to carry out a FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT and determine what actions or requirements are suitable for the specified premises.
The Fire & Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006 came into operation in July 2006 but will be subject to various Commencement Orders.
The resulting Fire Safety Legislation will be "The Fire Safety (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2006.
Fire Certification will cease under the new legislation and all workplaces will be required to have in place a suitable and sufficient risk assessment that must include all matters relating to fire precautions.
It will be YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to comply fully with the duty imposed.
What can BENMORE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS do for you?
The Fire Safety Package includes:
- Fire Safety Policy
- Fire Risk Assessment
- Fire Log Book
Benmore are also offering FREE Certified Fire Awareness Training for core staff
Prices start at £249 + VAT. To qualify for a 20% discount please call Leo on 07912659280 and quote CI2010.
