I am running an event; do I need a licence or permit from the fire service?
No, although you may be required to obtain permission or a Temporary Event Notice from your Local Authority Licensing team.
Do I need to inform or get permission from the fire service to put on a public firework display?
You do not need to get permission from the fire service to put on a public firework display. These sorts of events are licensed by the Local Authority, so you do need to contact them, and follow any instructions they give. Sales of fireworks are regulated by Trading Standards.
I have a shop/office/business. Can someone from the fire service come and check for fire safety?
We can give advice on how to comply with your duties under the Fire Safety Order, however we cannot fulfil these duties on your behalf. If you are still unsure, it may be worth employing a Competent Person to conduct the risk assessment for you.
I have a small pub, I don’t have any staff and do all the work myself, does the Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes. You are responsible not only for yourself, but also the people that enter your premises. You must ensure that there are adequate fire safety arrangements. As you hold a licence to sell alcohol, you must also record the findings in a fire risk assessment.
I run a business out of my small workshop. I am self-employed, does the Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes. You must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire. To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions. However, you are not required to record the findings of your assessment unless you employ five or more people, hold a licence issued by another authority, or are told to do so in a Notice from the Fire Authority.
What are the main requirements of the Fire Safety Order?
The Responsible Person is required to:
– Carry out, or nominate someone to carry out, a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the risks and hazards
– Consider who may be at risk
– Eliminate/reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably practical, and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk
– Take additional measures where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored
– Create a plan to deal with any emergency and document the findings
– Review the findings
What exactly are my duties under the Fire Safety Order?
You must:
– Take general fire precautions
– Carry out a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the general fire precautions
– Apply the principles of prevention, implementing fire safety measures
– Plan, organise, control, monitor, review fire safety measures
– Eliminate/reduce risks
– Maintain fire safety equipment and devices
– Provide fire safety information and training to employees
And ensure premises:
– Are equipped with firefighting equipment
– Have fire detectors and alarms
– Have safe emergency routes and exits
– Have safe procedures to follow
– Have additional measures for dangerous substances
Where does the Fire Safety Order apply?
The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure, and open space. For example:
– Offices and shops
– Premises that provide care
– Community halls
– Common areas of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
– Pubs, clubs and restaurants
– Schools
– Tents and marquees
– Hotels and hostels
– Factories and warehouses
It does not apply to domestic premises occupied by a single family.
Does a business need a Fire Risk Assessment?
Yes. You must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire. To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions. However, you are not required to record the findings of your assessment, unless you employ five or more people across your company, hold a license issued by another authority, or are told to do so in a Notice from the Fire Authority.
How do I dispose of unwanted/old fire extinguishers?
You should contact your local waste disposal site and enquire about local policies. Please do not bring old or unwanted fire extinguishers to a fire station.
Do you test/recharge fire extinguishers?
Unfortunately we do not offer this service. Your extinguishers may be leased and/or be under a maintenance contract and initially this should be looked into. There are many companies which offer these services and we would recommend looking for those who are part of a trade organisations such as the Fire Industry Association or Fire Extinguishing Trades Association.
