Is everyone in England and Wales affected by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) totally aware of their responsibilities? That’s the question being posed by DORMA, the UK market leader in the supply, maintenance and servicing of automatic, manual and industrial doors.

Figures from the Federation of Small Businesses indicate that a third of small firms in the UK are still unaware of their obligations under the RR(FS)O, nearly two years after the regulations came into force. The study shows that one in three premise holders are still relying on old fire certificates, issued by local fire services as evidence that their properties comply with the law.

Until the RR(FS)O was enforced in late 2006, the Fire Service would issue a traditional Fire Certificate that certified a buildings compliance with all relevant fire safety legislation. This, combined with all necessary checks and maintenance documents, demonstrated that the necessary obligations had been met and building insurance could be secured.

However, with the introduction of the RR(FS)O, the traditional Fire Certificate was abolished. Proof of compliance – that is the responsibility for the safety of employees and relevant persons using virtually any building that is not a house or flat – now lies firmly with those who own or control the business or premises. In short, it includes tenants, not just landlords.

This is a huge responsibility, and DORMA has for some years now been acting as a consultative company on such safety issues – including extensive work under the Disability Discrimination Act – as the company has unrivalled experience in the provision of products that both help prevent the spread of fire and aid the safe and swift evacuation of premises during an emergency.

DORMA will offer expert advice and guidance on the many different issues to be addressed in meeting compliance with the RR(FS)O and DORMA’s FSO Maintenance Contract can form part of the control measures required in the risk assessment procedure.

As Phil Jones, Group Marketing Director at DORMA points out: “One thing that people tend not to realise is that although doors and their associated hardware and ironmongery may only account for around 1% or 2% of a buildings initial cost, they can account for around 80% of the total maintenance bill in use – so regular maintenance is not just a safety issue, over time it can help reduce costs as well. Although we cannot actually undertake the risk assessment itself, which has to remain the responsibility of the designated person, or team, within the client company, we will be on hand to advise on every aspect relating to doors, automatics and door hardware and if remedial work is required, we will report accordingly”.

DORMA has produced a helpful guide to compliance with RR(FS)O and for a copy of the new publication, or to talk to someone about how DORMA might help with your risk assessment, contact Naomi Swann or Anne Ketcher, on the email provided.

Email: service@dorma-uk.co.uk