Picture the scene. You’re part way through your working day when someone turns up at your door, holding a written warrant to enter your premises. It’s a fire inspector and they’ve arrived to check your fire safety arrangements. What would your reaction be?
You might not know this but a fire inspector can just turn up unannounced. It’s not always the case; in some instances, you will get notification ahead of the visit. But particularly in high-risk premises, like care homes and hotels, it’s entirely possible that a visit will take place unannounced. And even with some notice, how prepared would you feel if you knew a visit was imminent?
What will the fire inspector do?
The thought of an inspection can be daunting, especially if you don’t know what they’ll be looking at and what the consequences of non-compliance could be. Fire inspectors (also known as enforcement officers) are usually from your local Fire and Rescue Authority. They’ll be checking that you’re complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and other applicable regulations. They’ll be examining whether the ‘responsible person’ (or people) is taking the necessary steps to reduce fire risks and ensure the safety of employees, visitors and residents.
So what will they do when they come into your premises? They’ll want to see a variety of documentation including:
- Your fire risk assessment. A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement, and it must be up to date, comprehensive and suitable for all the specific risks in your premises.
- Your fire safety policies and procedures.
- Fire safety training records and evacuation drills. Are your employees adequately trained in fire safety procedures, and would they know what to do in an emergency?
- Records of regular testing and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment (like fire extinguishers) and fire safety systems including fire alarms and emergency lighting.
The fire inspector will walk around your premises to check out various aspects of your fire safety management – such as looking to see if you have the right fire extinguishers in place for the identified risks, and that fire alarms are correctly installed. They’ll keep an eye out for any housekeeping hazards that might be blocking escape routes and look at your fire doors. It’s likely they’ll also want to talk to employees and /or their representatives to get as clear a picture as possible on how robust your approach to fire safety is.
What happens at the end of the fire inspection?
Afterwards, you’ll receive feedback on your fire safety compliance. It may include general guidance about good practice. But as you’d expect, their focus will be on whether you’re doing everything necessary to comply with the law. They’ll inform you about any breaches of legislation, highlighting what the law is in relation to the specific issue, and give you the reasons in writing for any action you’re being asked to take.
You’ll be given a timeframe in which to make the changes and be told how to appeal any requested action if you wish to do so. If there’s a risk to fire safety that requires immediate action, you’ll be made aware of that straight away.
What could happen if you’re not complying?
The fire inspector will consider a number of factors. How serious is the non-compliance? What risks does it pose? Is there a relevant explanation offered? How prepared are you to act to resolve the issue? What’s your previous history when it comes to fire safety? Then they’ll decide the most appropriate outcome. Here’s what you could be issued with:
- An informal notice
For minor issues, the inspector may choose to provide you with advice on how to correct them and talk through options. But it’s still a warning that action’s required – their notification of deficiencies gives you the opportunity to make improvements within a specified time period before more formal action is taken.
- An alteration notice
An alteration notice could be used if your workplace poses significant fire safety risks to users, either due to its current state or potential alterations. The notice will highlight areas of concern and require your responsible person(s) to notify the enforcing authority before making significant changes so they can assess whether they might increase the fire risk.
- An enforcement notice
If the inspector finds significant problems and risks not being managed, this notice will identify specific improvements that must be made in a certain time period. It is possible to apply for an extension to comply with the notice. But ultimately if you fail to comply, you could find yourself facing further legal action, including prosecution.
- A prohibition notice
If the fire inspector believes there’s an immediate risk to life, they’ll issue a prohibition notice. It may restrict access to part or even all of your premises until the required safety measures are in place. It goes without saying that this will have serious implications for your business being able to operate.
- Fines and prosecution
Major breaches of fire safety regulations could lead to large fines – there are many examples of businesses that have been fined tens of thousands of pounds for failing to meet their fire safety obligations. In the most serious cases, the responsible person(s) may face criminal prosecution and potentially even imprisonment.
Make sure you’re always ready for a fire inspection
A proactive approach to fire safety protects the people who use your premises. And it also means a fire inspector’s visit will be considerably less stressful. Please get in touch with us if you need support with ensuring a fire-safe environment in your building.
