ARE you aware that if your business is subject to the requirements of a fire certificate (or application) you have ADDITIONAL LEGAL OBLIGATIONS such as the provision of fire risk assessments?

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997, were amended in 1999 and confirm the concept of the EMPLOYER having unconditional responsibility for the safety of employees.

As a result of this, most work places are now subject to the additional legal requirements. Although an existing fire certificate is essential, it may only form the basis of the fire risk assessment and is not a substitute for a risk assessment, but may be supplemented as required to reduce duplication of work.

The list below details what is now required under the revised Workplace Regulations:

:

Carry out a fire risk assessment

Provide and maintain to the extent that it is appropriate, determined by the fire risk assessment:

* Means for detecting and giving warning in case of fire

* Means of escape and emergency lighting

* Fire safety signs

* Firefighting equipment

Monitor and review the risk assessment (and revise as appropriate)

Inform staff or their representatives of the risks identified

Plan for an emergency

Provide Staff information and training

Nominate persons to assist

North West Fire Brigades (Fire Risk Assessment Principles).

A Fire Risk Assessment is a goal based, flexible approach to the Workplace Regulations.

As each business involves a number of varying risks and differs from any other in terms of processes, location and size, responsibility can only be given to the employer to identify the hazards and the people within the business who are at risk.

It is also the employer's duty to remove or reduce any hazards and to manage the remaining risks to acceptable levels.

This is done by ensuring all occupants are alerted and can leave the premises safely in the event of fire; limiting the effects should a fire occur, and reducing the potential danger of fire.

Likelihood

This also includes the likelihood of arson. It is necessary for a business to provide adequate protection and security to minimise the risk of any fires relating to their premises.

The potential risk of arson to businesses is underestimated and worth addressing. The damage resulting from a fire also includes damage to property and goods from the water needed to extinguish it. As reported in this newspaper, arsonists set fire to a Bolton mill on Chorley Old Road recently. Although the extent of the fire was reported to be small, the resultant water damage from sprinklers was substantial. Therefore the combined effects of fire and water are enough to cause lasting and detrimental effects on businesses and in many instances cause them to fold completely.

If you would like any further information on fire risk assessments and the management of fire safety, contact the Bolton Business Environment Network. As part of the continual advisory service, the Bolton Business Environment Network provide seminars and training courses addressing issues pertaining to the environment and health and safety. These events are subsidised by European Funding and Patron Sponsorship. In response to the need for fire safety awareness, two seminars on the 'Management of Fire Safety' are to be held on August 30, and September 6, this year. Speaking at these seminars are two representatives of the Fire Safety Department from the Greater Manchester Fire Service and from the Environment Agency. As places are limited and demand is expected to be high, you are advised to call BBEN on 01204 388722 to receive a copy of the seminar flier. Arson is believed to be the cause of this Greater Manchester fire.