Fire Precautions
Recent changes to the law on fire safety have slightly changed the duties imposed by the law on occupiers of church premises.
Although church buildings are generally recognised to be low fire risks, it is important that those responsible recognise their duties, and take whatever steps are reasonable in their circumstances to guard against the risk of fire.
What changes have been made?
Until recently, the law on fire safety was mainly contained in the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997. The legislation is now consolidated into the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, with certain additional duties. The Order can be seen at:
www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051541.htm
What must we do?
The main features of the regulations as they affect churches are as follows:
Article 3 - Responsible person. The Regulations impose duties on the 'responsible person'. In the case of churches, this is likely to be the Parochial Church Council and incumbent, but clarification on the application of this duty to the Church context is awaited. The responsible person must ensure that the duties imposed under the Regulations are complied with, and must (under Article 18) appoint one or more competent persons to assist him in undertaking preventative and protective measures.
Article 9 - Risk assessment. The responsible person must undertake a 'suitable and sufficient' risk assessment. Where the responsible person employs five or more employees, the significant findings of the risk assessment and the measures which have or will be taken must be recorded, together with information about any group of persons identified as being especially at risk.
Article 13 - Fire fighting and detection. Where necessary, the responsible person must ensure that the premises are equipped with appropriate fire fighting equipment, detectors and alarms, and take the measures specified in Article 13.
Article 14 - Emergency routes and exits. Where necessary, the provisions relating to emergency routes (e.g. keeping them clear, provision of exit signs and emergency illumination) must be complied with.
Article 15 - Procedures for serious and imminent danger. Procedures must be established to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger, and persons nominated to implement those procedures.
Article 17 - Maintenance. Any facilities, equipment or devices must be maintained in efficient working order.
Where can we obtain guidance?
Guidance on the application of the regulations to churches is available from the Churches Main Committee website.
For more detailed guidance see the guidance on Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Small and Medium Places of Assembly published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (available on the DCLG website).
The fire and rescue service might be consulted, for instance where there are unusual features of a church, which would make fire fighting or escape difficult. The PCC's insurer will also have an interest in keeping the building safe, and will be willing to discuss further with the church.
Does this mean that all churches must install fire exit signs and emergency lighting?
No. The regulations prescribe such things as fire fighting equipment, emergency lighting, exit signs where necessary. It is therefore for the responsible person to determine through the risk assessment what action needs to be taken.
April 2007
