EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations revoke and partially replace the Fire Precautions (Sub-surface Railway Stations) Regulations 1989 (S.I. 1989/1401; “the 1989 Regulations”), which set out the specific requirements as to fire precautions at sub-surface railway stations. Provisions in relation to general fire precautions governing sub-surface railway stations are found in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/1541; “the 2005 Order”).

These Regulations, which are made under article 24 of the 2005 Order and apply only to England, include the following provisions:

(a)a requirement to lock doors not giving access to fire escapes (regulation 4(2));

(b)requirements to provide means for fighting fires and detection and warning systems for certain parts of stations (regulations 5 and 6);

(c)requirements for stations to be kept clear of combustible refuse and for areas for storing such refuse to be separated by fire-resisting construction (regulation 7);

(d)requirements in relation to materials used in the internal construction of station premises (regulation 8);

(e)requirements as to instruction and training of members of staff (regulation 9);

(f)exemptions from the requirements of the Regulations in certain circumstances (regulation 11).

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available at www.communities.gov.uk/fire.