Mar 7 2006
New fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales will come into force on 31 October 2006 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has announced.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, made in June 2005, is the biggest overhaul of fire safety legislation in decades.
Originally, it was due to come into force next month (April) but in January the department announced it was deferring to give business and stakeholders more time to prepare.
Announcing the new date in a written statement, the ODPM Minister responsible for fire safety Jim Fitzpatrick said today:
“The Government’s over-riding aim is to save more people from death and injury by reducing risk and preventing fires.
“Over the coming months, we will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that all those affected by the new rules have the support that they need.”
The ODPM is working with a range of partners from industry and the fire and rescue service 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.