26.09.06
Business Link hot on fire risk assessment

Business Link is urging all businesses in the South West to ensure they are up-to-date on the new fire risk assessments.

New fire safety legislation is all set to be in place by the 1st October 2006 and Business Link is determined that local businesses know what to do and where to go to make sure they are fully compliant.

The new changes to the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 require that all employers must conduct a fire risk assessment of their business premises. The legal requirement will apply to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales regardless of how many people are employed.

Chris Redding, Business Link's Information Gateway Manager says, "There is plenty of information available which can help businesses carry out their own risk assessments or find the right people to do it. We can direct business managers to detailed guides and free downloads which can help businesses understand what they need to do to be compliant with the new laws. Those who want a simple summary of what they have to do can download our factsheet. Over 750 businesses have already downloaded the factsheet, which is available from our website, www.bldc.co.uk."

The new legislation affects organisations and individuals who are responsible for business premises, employers, self employed people with business premises, charities or voluntary organisations and contractors with a degree of control over any premises.

The adaptations to the law have been made to promote self-regulation and places more emphasis on preventing fires and reducing risk and as well as making businesses take responsibility for ensuring the safety of everyone who uses their business premises and immediate vicinity.

Chris continued, "Businesses employing five people or more must keep documentation of their fire risk assessment and businesses employing less than this will still have to carry out the appropriate checks. The guidance notes that are available will enable a responsible person with limited formal fire training to carry out their own fire risk assessment, but more complex premises may have to be assessed by someone with comprehensive training and experience."

For further information please contact Adam McPherson of the Marketing PR Company on 01566 771861 or email amcperson@marketing-pr.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Business Link through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Editor's notes:

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.bldc.co.uk and via the telephone on 0845 600 9966 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally It provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners. Business Link for Devon and Cornwall delivers the national Business Link service to the region under contract from the South West RDA.

Business Link has received Objective One investment (European Regional Development Fund and EAGGF) to help companies improve performance and grow.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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