New fire safety legislation came into effect on 1st October 2006 affecting the majority of non-domestic premises in Scotland. The new fire safety regime is based on the principles of risk assessment and places responsibility for assessing risk from fire and providing appropriate fire safety measures, with those with control to any extent of premises (duty holders). More than one person can have fire safety responsibilities for the premises: for example, an employer, owner, tenant and voluntary group using the premises may each have responsibilities and will be required to co-operate with each other and co-ordinate their fire safety measures.
The Firelaw website is full of information, including the ‘top ten key facts’ about the new legislation, information about dutyholders’ responsibilities and guidance on how to carry out a fire safety risk assessment – the First Time User section is a good place to start!
Key information relevant to all premises and to all dutyholders about the new fire safety law is available in a Fire Safety Guidance Booklet produced by the Scottish Executive. Hard copies are available, free of charge, from Blackwell’s Bookshop, 53 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1YS (telephone orders and enquiries 0131 622 8283/8258) or from local Fire and Rescue Services.
An A4 poster is also available to be downloaded from the Firelaw website which you may wish to display on your premises, alerting occupants to the availability of the guidance booklet.
The sector specific guide for Places of Entertainmement and Assembly is applicable to general fire safety in places of entertainment and assembly. Such premises are wide ranging in their design and may include any building, installation on land or tent/movable structure. It will apply to community and village halls.
Your local Fire and Rescue Services may be able to assist you with any general enquiries. Alternatively you can contact the Scottish Executive at FireScotlandAct@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or on 0131 244 2784. However, if you have any questions about your legal rights and obligations in respect of your personal circumstances, you should seek independent legal advice.
Many regional Fire and Rescue Services are run training events and you should contact them to see if they have anything suitable in your area.
You may also wish to note that the Firelaw website includes a facility for registering to receive email updates on issues related to the new regime.
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