Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is urging all businesses across the county to review their fire safety management systems.

The review should enable businesses to ensure they fully understand what is needed when it comes to fire safety and the law. 

To confirm these standards, fire inspectors and crew from the GFRS may call into businesses, with the priority focussed on safety for their customers and themselves.

The GFRS said: 

‘The Fire and Rescue Services role is to ensure the responsible person or persons have carried out their duties required by the order.

To do this the fire and rescue service has powers to enter premises. Also persons on the premises must give the inspector such facilities and assistance he or she may request.’

Additionally, GFRS have provided a fire risk assessment template on their website, which you can download for free. It also provides critical information and guidance.

These resources can help business owners, following the change to the law in October 2023. The legislation made it mandatory for businesses to have a written fire risk assessment - including businesses with fewer than five employees. 

The new legislation builds on from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which became law in October 2006.

Various business types are affected by this, including pubs, hotels, community halls and factories.