A new booklet, outlining the steps which need to be taken to comply with the new fire safety law, has been distributed to more than 162,000 organisations across Scotland.

The booklet has been sent out in a bid to ensure people are aware of their responsibilities prior to the new law coming into force on October 1.

Although local Fire and Rescue Services have an enforcement role in the new law, the onus is on those who manage, operate or have safety obligations for the premises to carry out the fire safety risk assessment and ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place. Following the introduction of the legislation, fire certificates issued under the Fire Precautions Act will no longer be valid.

The new legislation seeks to reduce the risk of fire in non-domestic premises and has implications for everyone in Scotland from business owners and employers to employees and contractors working in non-domestic premises, even if they have never previously had to consider fire safety.

The booklet outlines the seven general requirements under the new law, which are:

  • Carrying out a fire safety risk assessment of the premises;
  • Identifying the fire safety measures necessary as a result of the fire safety risk assessment outcome;
  • Implementing these fire safety measures using risk reduction principles;
  • Putting in place fire safety arrangements for the ongoing control and review of the fire safety measures;
  • Complying additionally with the specific requirements of the fire safety regulations;
  • Keeping the fire safety risk assessment and outcome under review; and
  • Record keeping.

  • For further advice and information on the new law and how it will affect you, log on to www.infoscotland.com/firelaw. Copies of the 32-page booklet can be downloaded from the dedicated site and people can sign up for email alerts relating to the legislation and guidance documents.