Health and Safety Update (December 2008)
Fire Safety Help for, B&Bs, Guest Houses and Self-Catering
Properties
A booklet has been launched to help small accommodation
providers comply with fire safety rules. It gives the hospitality
industry practical advice including a five-step action plan for
reducing fire risks in small establishments.
Fire safety regulations introduced in 2006 require all
businesses to carry out a fire risk assessment. The booklet
addresses the specific difficulties that ,B&Bs, guest houses
and self catering properties have faced and encourages compliance.
The guide provides a range of cost effective ways to deliver an
adequate level of protection.
The action plan helps businesses to carry out a risk
assessment:
- think about how a fire could start on the premises and how
quickly it could spread;
- think about who is at risk;
- plan to keep people safe by removing fire hazards wherever
possible and then putting in place measures to detect a fire and
ensure, if one does start, that everyone can escape safely;
- make a note of your plan and train for the worst / busiest
times;
- keep your plan updated to reflect any changing circumstances or
risks.
The guidance also provides businesses with an overview of their
legal responsibilities, and a checklist of issues to consider as
part of the risk assessment.
The guidance is available at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/payingguests
Remember that RBS
Mentor
Services can also conduct an in depth fire risk assessment for you-
contact our advice line or your Consultant for more details.