Staff Training
This has received a more detailed explanation of what is required; employers must now nominate and train a suitable number of staff in how to use fire fighting equipment. This is in addition to the normal expectation of training all staff in what to do in the event of a fire.

Means of Escape
As you can imagine there is some detail on what you need regarding means of escape from a building and a whole new set of guidance documents has been produced to support the new legislation. It is because these documents had not been completed that the commencement of the order kept slipping. We have had a look at several of these and they appear to follow general principles however there are a few new anomalies we will have to look at more closely. If you would like to see the documents yourself please follow the link:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1162101
you can download them free of charge.

Duties of an Employee
As an employer this is an interesting new requirement. There is now a responsibility for employees to consider their own and others fire safety. You will be aware this is already in place regarding Health & Safety but this useful addition will help you deal with an employee who flouts your efforts to maintain a safe working environment.

Enforcement (Written Notices)
An ‘Alterations Notice’ is the first step by the Fire Authority where they think improvements need to be made to your premise.

An ‘Enforcement Notice’ is issued when the Fire Authority believes you have failed to comply with the Order. Failure to comply can result in court action.

A ‘Prohibition Notice’ allows the fire authority to prohibit the premise or parts of the premise where “use of the premises involves or will involve a risk so serious”.²

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