Overview
The aim of fire safety legislation is to ensure the safety of employees, residents and members of the public within buildings. Fire safety legislation therefore sets out rights and responsibilities regarding fire safety.
Responsibility for complying with The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the associated Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 lies with the duty holders (persons responsible for buildings). Duty holders have various responsibilities for ensuring occupants of the premises are safe from harm in the event of a fire.
Duty Holder Responsibilities
Duty holders must arrange that a fire risk assessment of the premises is carried out. The fire risk assessment must focus on the safety of all “relevant persons” in the event of a fire. Fire risk assessments help identify risks which can be removed or reduced. It will also identify the nature and extent of the general fire precautions you need to implement to protect individuals from fire risks that may still exist. If you employ five or more people, you must record and document any significant findings within your fire risk assessment.
A strong management commitment to fire safety is also vital to achieving appropriate fire safety standards within premises, along with developing and maintaining a culture of fire safety throughout the organisation.
Another management responsibility is to have an emergency fire action plan in place, along with suitable arrangements to implement the plan. The emergency fire action plan should be kept within the premises and should be available to, and known by staff, and form the basis of the training and instruction provided to all staff. The emergency fire action plan should also be available for inspection by relevant enforcement authorities.
All employees also have a duty to fully cooperate with their employers to ensure the safety of others from the risk of fire.
Does Fire Safety Legislation Apply to You?
Fire safety legislation applies to practically all premises and covers almost every type of building and structure.
These Include:
- Community halls and other public buildings
- Factories and warehouses
- Hotels, guest houses and hostels
- Houses in multiple occupation
- Offices and shops
- Premises which provide care
- Pubs, clubs and restaurants
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Tents and marquees
Please note this is not a comprehensive list.
Non Compliance
If you fail to comply with all relevant fire safety regulations the consequences are extremely serious and you could be prosecuted. Not only could your insurance be null and void, you could also face a substantial fine or even a prison sentence.
However, by utilising the services of professional fire safety specialists such as Fire Link means you will comply with all relevant fire safety regulations and keep your premises safe.
To arrange a free, no obligation fire safety health check of your premises contact Fire Link.
Additional Information Regarding Fire Safety Legislation in Scotland
The Scottish Government has implemented a public awareness campaign which aims to educate the Scottish business community and other relevant organisations regarding legislative requirements. For further information click here to visit The Scottish Government website which contains an extensive range of information regarding fire safety legislation in Scotland
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