Property owners need to be aware of fire safety legislation - commercial mortgages

25 October 2006

Commercial property owners, including those with commercial mortgages, are being warned that they are legally required to carry out and record fire risk assessment on their premises.

Legal Fire Risk states that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, which came into effect on October 1st 2005, means that the person responsible for a property in which five or more employees work must train all staff in basic fire safety and ensure a fire risk assessment.

According to the company, the person responsible for the property may be penalised if they are unable to prove an assessment has been undertaken and reviewed regularly.

The firm says: "Not only is it an offence not to have a fire risk assessment, you may find that you are not covered by your insurance, which could put your business at serious risk."

According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, premises should be equipped "appropriate" fire-fighting equipment, fire detectors and alarms where necessary.