FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT ADVICE OFFERED BY HEALTH AND SAFETY EXPERTS

The need for businesses to have a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment is currently being championed by a local firm of health and safety specialists. mhl support, who are based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, are keen to see that all businesses in the area have the correct policies in place, after the issue was highlighted recently when a Cheshire business man was fined £130,300 for breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Cheshire Fire Authority took action against Paul Ashley of P & S Ashley Timberworks, based in Sandbach, after he had been warned by Health and Safety Executive Officers on three separate occasions during 2008 and 2009. Among the eight charges that Ashley admitted to was the lack of a fire risk assessment. Michael Slade, managing director at mhl explained: “Cheshire Fire Authority should be applauded for the action they have taken in this case. However I think Mr. Ashley got off quite lightly. You’ve only got to look at the New Look retail store fire, in Bond Street back in 2008; they were fined £400,000 for the lack of a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment.” The Fire Safety (Employees’ Capabilities) Regulations 2010 is an addition to the Regulatory Reform Order of 2005. It places an emphasis of responsibility on the proprietor to ensure that the person who carries out the assessment is competent to do so. “It’s no longer enough to have a fire risk assessment in place, the new regulation has been designed to ensure that the assessments that are used are pertinent to that business,” said Michael. “What this new legislation also does is reduce the reliance on downloadable templates from the internet. Fire Risk Assessments do need to be completed by a competent capable person. We understand the complexities of this field which crop up at any time. If there is any business having problems with the new legislation and fire risk assessment, we’d advise that they get in touch with the local fire authority or contact mhl support for free of charge advice.” - ENDS -

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