The Fire and Rescue National Framework (Wales) 2005 (Revisions) Order 2007

11.  Delete paragraphs 2.39 and 2.40 and replace with —

“2.39   The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/1541) (“FSO”) is a major reform of fire safety law. Previous fire safety legislation was contained in over one hundred separate pieces of legislation. The FSO came into force in England and Wales on 1 October 2006. The functions and powers of the Secretary of State in the FSO were transferred to the National Assembly for Wales on 8 June 2006 by the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1458).

2.40   The main emphasis of the reform is fire prevention at non-domestic premises and a regime of fire risk assessment to be carried out by the responsible person in order to identify, mitigate or remove any risk from fire to persons in or around the premises. Fire certificates were abolished and no longer have any status.

• Advice for people responsible for their premises in relation to fire risk assessment is available in the Assembly Government’s Fire Risk Assessment Guides.

• Enforcement of the FSO is principally undertaken by Fire and Rescue Authorities, though other authorities may enforce the FSO in settings such as health care and nuclear premises.

• A Fire and Rescue Authority’s policy for enforcement of the FSO should form part of its overall strategy for the protection of its community, as detailed in its RRP.

• In drawing up their enforcement policy, a Fire and Rescue Authority should prioritise their audit of fire risk assessments and inspections of premises that pose a significant risk to life from fire. Guidance on this matter is contained within Wales Fire and Rescue Service WFRS Circular (06) 06 — Supplementary information for FRAs on the development of their Risk Reduction Plans (RRPs). This guidance was issued under article 26 of the RRO and does not therefore form part of this Framework.”