New fire safety rules come into effect
2 Oct 06
New risk assessment regime replaces fire certificate system
Legislation to improve fire safety in non-domestic premises in Scotland came into force yesterday (1 October), with the Fire (Scotland) Act replacing previous fire safety legislation in Scotland.
Part 3 of the Act requires anyone who manages, operates or has safety obligations for non-domestic premises to take steps to prevent and minimise the impact of fire. This includes owners, employers, employees, managers and other occupiers.
Fire certificates will also be abolished under the new system - with existing certificates becoming invalid. Instead, the new fire safety regime will be based on the principles of risk assessment and the requirement to both prevent fire and protect human life.
The new legal duties put in place seven general requirements:
- carrying out a fire safety risk assessment of the premises;
- identifying the fire safety measures necessary as a result of the assessment;
- putting in place fire safety measures;
- regularly reviewing the fire safety measures;
- complying with the specific requirements of the fire safety regulations;
- keeping the fire safety risk assessment and outcome under review; and
- record keeping.
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said the Executive was determined to reduce the number of people killed as a result of fire in Scotland, as too often deaths could be prevented.
He said: "Safety is at the heart of the new legislation - safety in the home, the workplace and the community. And today, the final part of those reforms will come into force to ensure that everyone plays their part to reduce the risk of fire and the number of fire casualties in non-domestic premises - public or private."