Is your business’s fire risk assessment due its annual review during lockdown 2.0?
Regardless of COVID-19, it is a legal requirement to have an up-to-date fire risk assessment in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Non-compliance could result in prosecution.
Furthermore, fires happen regardless of the pandemic. This month we have been called out to support a business where a fire threatened life and property.
The financial and operational impact of failing to have up-to-date fire safety policies and procedures has been significant.
Don’t get caught out.
What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?
This vital piece of legislation is designed to provide a minimum fire safety standard in all non-domestic premises. It designates the employer or manager as the ‘Responsible Person’, which means fire safety lies with you.
It also states that you must:
- keep your fire risk assessments up-to-date
- take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire
- ensure all fire precautions remain current and adequate
- make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.
If you don’t meet these legal obligations, even during a pandemic, you can go to prison and face an unlimited fine.
Furthermore, your business insurance may be invalid if your fire risk assessment is not up-to-date.
Completing a fire risk assessment during lockdown
While businesses will have a raft of Government guidelines to comply with during lockdown, now might actually be the easiest time to conduct a fire risk assessment. With fewer people around it will be simpler to assess escape routes, fire doors, and the impact of any structural and usage changes to your property.
Here at Benfield Fire Safety we are open during the lockdown and can offer COVID safe services and training to support clients in meeting their legal responsibilities.
Stay within the law and protect your business
We can offer fire risk assessments, policy creation, and fire safety training using state-of-the-art equipment to help make a fire emergency scenario as realistic as possible.
We have been delivering our services and training throughout 2020 with appropriate social distancing measures in place. Read our recent case studies.
To find out more please get in touch by calling 0300 303 3277 or emailing customerservice@benfieldfs.co.uk.
