Fire safety reform – UK government gives stakeholders more time to prepare
The ODPM Minister responsible for fire safety Jim Fitzpatrick said in a written statement to the House of Commons: "During the passage of the Order it was of concern to the House that business and enforcers should have adequate time to familiarise themselves with the new regime and the guidance that will accompany it and that the coming into force date should, so far as practicable, be timed to coincide as closely as possible with reform of fire safety laws in Scotland. Despite extensive work with stakeholders it is clear that all the guidance documents will not be ready for a full 12 week gap between publication and coming into force on 1 April 2006. “In the light of the commitments we have given to the House and our commitment to ensuring this reform is properly backed, we have therefore concluded that the coming into force of the substantive provisions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order should be put back.” The Government will now bring an Order, under article 52 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, to amend the coming into force date of the new regime before the House as quickly as possible. Recently, the Scottish Authorities announced that more time should be allowed for reform North of the Border and the new rules in Scotland are now expected to come into force in October 2006 at the earliest. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Health and Safety Spokesperson, Mary Boughton, said: "This is an important reform and it is therefore vital that it is implemented successfully. People's lives could depend on it. Many of our members will be ready for the original date, which will mean that they will be compliant well in advance, but it also allows those that are coming to terms with this reform on top of their everyday business concerns more time to comply and to seek advice where necessary." The ODPM is working with stakeholders on a publicity strategy to raise awareness of the new laws amongst those affected. There will also be a series of guides published to assist those preparing fire risk assessments. More information is available at http://www.firesafetyguides.odpm.gov.uk
•Date: 13th Jan 2006• Region: UK • Type: Article •Topic: BC general |
