Industry News » Over a third of firms "haven't fire risk assessed"

08-01-2009

According to recent research by Norwich Union, over a third of UK businesses are breaking the law becasue they haven't conducted a fire risk assessment. 

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, a responsible person from a business must carry out a fire risk assessment and the research has identified that 38% of the survey were unaware of these requirements.

Phil Grace, liability risk manager for Norwich Union also warned there had been an upturn in the number of prosecutions being brought by the fire and rescue services against businesses that were not complying with the RRO, with businesses facing fines running into thousands of pounds:

• A fire risk assessment will not only identify risks to those working within the business, but also to members of the public or visitors to the premises.
• A fire poses great risks for any business with not only losses to stock, raw materials and buildings, but also the possibility that the future existence of the firm may be threatened.
• The importance of carrying out a fire risk assessment cannot be over-emphasised, no matter how large or small the business. Not only is it a legal requirement, but lives, property and business resilience depend on it.
• A small business has got to properly manage fire risks. This includes assessing fire hazards and then removing the hazards or reducing them to an acceptable level. Doing nothing is simply not an option. 

Click here to see how SG World's Step Through Guide CD Rom to Fire Risk Assessment can help you comply with legislation and protect your business.