Published Date:
18 March 2008
By John Ritchie
SMALL businesses in Scarborough are being reminded of their obligations concerning fire safety after research from Norwich Union suggested that 40 per cent of companies are unaware of new laws that came into effect in October 2006.
According to Firex the real figure is much higher, suggesting that 78 per cent of people with responsibility for fire safety were unaware of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
The main effect of the law was to shift responsibility for fire safety from landlords onto tenants, meaning individual small business owners can now be held liable for any damage to persons or property as a result of failing to ensure the correct equipment is in place and procedures followed.
Company owners found guilty could face heavy fines and even imprisonment if they found guilty of negligence.
Every organisation must also appoint and train a responsible person – normally the owner themselves – to take responsibility for fire safety.
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Last Updated:
17 March 2008 3:14 PM
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Source:
Scarborough Evening News
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Location:
Scarborough
