Fire Regulations Enforcement - Non-residential

The fire authority have responsibility for the supervision and enforcement of certain regulations. As part of this role, they visit a number of premises every year.

If your workplace is selected for a visit you will be required to present a fire risk assessment and emergency plan to one of the fire safety officers (FSO) and explain the contents. If, when the FSO visits, you have not completed a fire risk assessment you may have committed an offence under the fire regulations and the fire authority may take action.

If you have made your assessment but they think you need to take further precautions, they will discuss these with you and highlight the general areas of concern.

It is, however, the employer's duty to identify and take appropriate measures to comply with the regulations.

The fire authority have formal powers that can be used in serious cases: these include the ability to prohibit, with immediate effect, the use of all or part of your premises.

They also have the power to serve an 'enforcement notice', requiring you to take steps to comply with the regulations. Failure to comply with the regulations, in a way that places one or more employees at risk or death or serious injury in case of fire, is a criminal offence in itself - in such cases the fire authority may prosecute in the courts.

For further information on fire regualtions and enforecment visit the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service website.