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The Fire Safety Regulations 2022 - What you need to know
Hannah Eales
Fire and rescue authorities issue formal fire enforcement notices where they are of the view that fire safety measures at your premises are not adequate. These can include:
- Alterations notices - these are issued where the fire and rescue service are of the opinion that the premises constitute a serious risk or may constitute a risk if changes are made. On receipt of an alterations notice, the responsible person must, before making any changes that may result in a significant increase in risk, notify the fire and rescue service of the increase in risk;
- Enforcement notices - the fire and rescue service issue fire enforcement notices when they are of the opinion that the responsible person has failed to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The fire enforcement notice will require the responsible person to take action to remedy the failures identified within a specified time period.
- Prohibition notices - these are issued where the fire and rescue service are of the view that the premises involve a risk so serious that use of the premises ought to be prohibited or restricted. The prohibition notice will specify the matters which give rise to the risk and direct that the use of the premises be prohibited or restricted until the matters identified have been remedied.
You can appeal any of the above notices within 21 days of the notice being served upon you. Appeal is to the Magistrates’ Court.
A failure to comply with a fire safety notice can amount to a criminal offence and can carry a substantial financial penalty or period of imprisonment.
How we can help
We can meet with you to discuss the terms of the fire safety notice you have received and what you need to do to comply. If you do not agree with the fire safety notice, we can assist you in liaising with the relevant fire and rescue service on your behalf to try and resolve matters. Where necessary we can assist you in bringing an appeal against the notice.
We understand the implications of enforcement action for you as an individual and for your business and can support you through the process from the outset to ensure the most favourable outcome.
Jonathan Grimes
Criminal Litigation
White Collar and Financial Crime
Extradition and INTERPOL
Partner
Claire Lamkin
Property Litigation
Real Estate Litigation
Partner
Melinka Berridge
Regulatory
Partner and Head of Department
Maeve Keenan
Criminal Litigation
Criminal Defence and Police Investigations
Extradition and INTERPOL
Senior Associate
Alfie Cranmer
Regulatory
Associate
