St John Ambulance fire safety laws warning to firms (From Bridgwater Mercury)

St John Ambulance fire safety laws warning to firms

12:50pm Saturday 11th July 2009

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BUSINESSES in Somerset could be at risk of massive fines for breaching safety laws, according to St John Ambulance in the county.

The first aid organisation is advising firms to check they are adhering to fire regulations.

Over 88,000 buildings catch fire in England every year, causing over 10,000 injuries and 319 deaths.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 says businesses must have people with sufficient training as fire marshals to identify a fire hazard, assist in evacuation and help implement preventative and protective measures.

If they don’t, they could receive an unlimited fine.

Certificates issued before the regulations existed have been abolished and have had no legal status since 2006.

Sue Chilcott, from St John in Somerset, said: “The cost of fire can be high – to business owners, staff and the business as a whole.

“But it needn’t be that way. All businesses must carry out a risk assessment and ensure staff are nominated to put fire prevention measures into place.

“St John Ambulance has been training people to carry out this role since the fire safety order came into force.

“We employ qualified, professional trainers to deliver fire marshal training which is endorsed by the Institute of Fire Engineers.”

St John Ambulance offers several services relating to fire safety for businesses of all kinds.

A fire marshal calculator – click on the Related Link on this page - can help determine how many trained employees are required.

Training for marshals can be tailored to suit the specific needs of an organisation, and can be held on the premises concerned.

The St John Ambulance Fire Marshal course covers everything needed for the role, including how to act when discovering a fire, liaison with the fire service, the causes and chemistry of fire, as well as drills, evacuation and how to use an extinguisher.

Courses are held regularly in Somerset - for details contact Sue Chilcott on 01823-345920 or sue.chilcott@somerset.sja.org.uk

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