Frequently Asked Questions on Fire Safety
Q: Do I need fire extinguishers?
A: Yes. Under the requirements of The Regulatory (Fire Safety) Reform Order 2005, or RRO, you are responsible for provision of appropriate fire fighting equipment, correctly located within your premises.
Q: Do I need to have my fire extinguishers serviced?
A: Yes. Under the requirements of both the RRO and BS5306-3, you are required to ensure periodic inspection of your fire fighting equipment. The requirement is for annual maintenance to be carried out by a competent person, with monthly checks carried out by the user.
Q: Do I need a specific number or type of fire extinguisher?
A: Yes. To meet compliance with BS5306-8, the type of extinguishers you require will depend on the type of risks present within your premises, and the number of extinguishers required is based on both the amount of risk and the size of your premises.
Q: Do my extinguishers require replacement based solely on their age?
A: No. Although age is a consideration, extinguishers are replaced based on their condition, and the likely cost of repair.
Q: Do my Fire Extinguishers need to be coloured red?
A: Extinguishers manufactured to current standard, BSEN3-7, are predominately red, but have a colour-coded area, denoting the type of extinguisher. Most older extinguishers, with bodies painted a single colour, are acceptable until they are no longer serviceable.
Q: Do I need a Certificate of Maintenance for my fire extinguishers?
A: Yes. If you suffer a fire, your insurance company or the Fire Authority is likely to want to inspect safety documentation for compliance. If they are deemed inadequate, difficulties may arise with your claim.
Q: Who is responsible for completing a fire risk assessment?
A: Responsibility with complying with the RRO rests with the "responsible person". In a workplace, this is the employer or any other person who may have control over the building.
Q: Who is responsible for enforcing the RRO?
A: Local Fire and Rescue Authority (The Fire & Rescue Service) will enforce the RRO.
They have the power to inspect your premises to ensure that you have complied with the RRO, including evidence that you have completed a fire risk assessment.
Q: Who should carry out a fire risk assessment at your premises?
A: The regulations require a fire risk assessment to be undertaken by a "competent person". The definition of a "competent person" is " a person with sufficient training, experience, knowledge and other qualities to enable them to undertake the task."
Q: What are the consequences of not complying with the RRO?
A: If the enforcing authority is dissatisfied with your fire risk assessment or the action you have taken, it may issue an Enforcement Notice that requires you to make certain improvements or, in extreme cases, a Prohibition Notice that restricts the use of your premises until improvements are made.
“We have used the services of Renovatio in our 3 London Hair Salons to carry our fire risk assessments and consequently to carry out the work required and would highly recommend them as they carry out a professional and friendly service.
I particularly want to thank Paul for answering all my questions with extreme patience and he always got back to me immediately.”
Andrea Gardner,
TommyGuns Haircare.