The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations (NI) 2001 were made under the European Communities Act 1972 and came into effect on 1 December 2001

 

The Regulations place an unconditional responsibility on employers* to provide a safe workplace.

The regulations apply to all workplaces (though there are some 'excepted' workplaces). The primary responsibility for ensuring safety from fire in workplaces to which the regulations apply lies with the employer*, relying largely on self-compliance.

 

The employer* is required to undertake a Risk Assessment in order to determine the likelihood of fire, the potential consequences for those in the workplace and the appropriate measures (controls) needed to reduce or eliminate those risks.

 

 If five or more persons are employed (whether they are in the premises at the same time or not) the employer must maintain a written record of any significant findings in the Risk Assessment.

The Regulations provide for a 'risk appropriate' enforcement regime by way of reviewing the Risk Assessment and judging whether or not the Regulations are being complied with.

 

* In the context of the Regulations employer includes any person who has, to any extent, control of a workplace.