Law changes will see employers and managers of small and medium-sized businesses held directly responsible for fire safety, an expert has warned.
Paul Huddlestone, of Rugby-based fire consultancy Flamex Fire Protection, said the new legislation, which will shift the responsibility from the fire brigade on to the person accountable for the premises, will have a considerable impact on SMEs.
He said: "At the moment there is a prescriptive regime where the fire and rescue service determines the fire precautions to be provided.
"The new legislation will still focus on people's safety but it will have a much bigger emphasis on risk assessment and fire prevention.
"A key difference will be that the person responsible for the premises will have to decide how to address the risks identified whilst complying with certain requirements."
In 2002, the Government undertook a review of UK fire legislation. The legislation was simplified with a new focus on risk assessment and is due to come into force.
Mr Huddlestone said businesses unsure of the new laws should seek advice either from their local fire authority or a fire safety expert.
