People on Teesside are at risk, say fire chiefs, after figures showed 40%¹ of businesses are failing to conduct fire risk assessments despite a law passed three years ago which demands them.
Cleveland Fire Brigade issued the warning after a survey from independent body Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS) highlighted the problem across the UK.
Barry Waller, Head of Fire Engineering for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “These figures tally with our own data on the amount of business premises on Teesside which don’t have adequate preparation should the unthinkable happen and a fire occur.
“The irony is that this is a service for which we provide free toolkits through our website and there’s no reason that 100% of businesses across Teesside shouldn’t have these risk assessments in place. The toolkit provides a step by step guide for simple premises which may remove the need to employ expensive consultants.”
A written risk assessment is mandatory for all workplaces which employ more than 5 employees. Businesses that fail to conduct risk assessments (in compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005) can
be issued with informal notifications, enforcement notices, prohibition notices and/or alterations notices.
Successful prosecutions can lead to significant fines with fire authorities across the UK prosecuting 43%² more organisations last year for failing to comply with any part of the order. Cleveland Fire Brigade has carried out several successful prosecutions in the last 18 months which have resulted in significant fines. High Street fashion chain New Look has recently been fined a record £400,000 for fire safety breaches under this legislation after a blaze broke out at a central London branch
Barry Waller said: “It’s not good enough for a business to tell us that they either don’t have the time or don’t know where to begin when it comes to fire safety. Failing in the basic responsibilities of completing fire risk assessments means that firms are not only breaking the law but also not managing the hazards on their premises. We do not want to penalise businesses but the safety of the public and people at work has to be our first priority. ”
Cleveland Fire Brigade offers advice on fire risk assessment through its website www.clevelandfire.gov.uk Advice can also be gained by contacting the Brigade Help desk on (01429) 874109 (OFFICE HOURS).
