Enforcement


The enforcing authority is defined in Article 25. In most cases, this is the local fire and rescue authority, although the HSE has responsibility for construction sites and for ships under construction or repair. The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has responsibility for nuclear power plants, including those under construction.


Sports grounds come under the local authority and Crown properties are covered by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Fire Services. The enforcing authority can serve “alterations notices” where it believes premises constitute a serious risk (Article 29). It can also serve enforcement and prohibition notices (Articles 30 and 31).


Article 41 imposes the duty to consult with employees and their representatives, and amended the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977 and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 (see Chapter 4).


Businesses no longer need a fire certificate, but fire and rescue authorities can still inspect premises and ensure that adequate fire precautions are in place.