It’s a few months now since we launched our CPD training programme. It has been extremely well received, and yesterday saw our first event in this new year for Sheffield City Council.

The subject for this particular session was entitled “Understanding fire legislation”. Aimed at anyone who is responsible for or who gets involved with property management, fire and security, it provides an overview of how today’s fire safety legislation came into being and what the “responsible person(s)” needs to be aware of with regard to the latest legislation.

The old legislation had been created “piecemeal” – policies created following fire disaster, including:

– Fire Services Act 1947
– Pet Animals Act 1951
– Public Health Act 1961
– The Gaming Act 1968
– Fire Precautions Act 1971
– Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
– Safety on Sports Grounds Act 1975

This was alongside numerous local authority fire precaution acts. Quite a list to familiarise yourself with!

Thankfully the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005 and then the Equality Act 2010 have made it slightly easier to understand your obligations when it comes to fire and safety. There are, however, a few more British Standard documents to also take in.

Our CPD event focused on:

– Integrated risk management plans
– Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
– Fire risk assessments
– The Equality Act 2010
– Building regulations (documents B which underpins the new Regulatory Reform Order & document M which underpins the Equality Act)
– Standards and codes of practice (including BS5839-1:2017)
– Installers, designers and commissioning responsibilities
– User’s responsibilities and routine testing requirements

One of the most regular responses we get at these events is how useful it is to be able to ask questions and clarify understanding. If you are in a position of responsibility, and would find it useful to learn more about the requirements, then you can register for our ongoing CPD programme.