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<p>It is the responsibility of each fire and rescue authority to manage its prevention,
protection and operational resources to address effectively risks within their communities.
This includes determining which premises to audit to ensure compliance with the provisions
of the Fire Safety Order. When carrying out an audit, including for short-term accommodation
let through Airbnb or similar platforms, it is for the individual fire and rescue
authority to determine how they assess whether the fire risk assessment carried out
by the responsible person and the fire precautions in place are adequate and appropriate
for a particular premises. No two premises are the same. What may represent a proportionate
approach to improved fire safety management in one building, will not necessarily
apply in another.</p><p>The level of competency required for individual premises will
vary according to their nature and complexity.</p><p>The Government issued guidance
to assist enforcing authorities in their enforcement responsibilities under the Fire
Safety Order, which is available here - <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005-guidance-note-enforcement"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005-guidance-note-enforcement</a>.
In addition, the Chief Fire Officers Association, now the National Fire Chiefs Council,
produced a standardised audit form to ensure consistency of audits.</p><p>The person
responsible for complying with the Fire Safety Order (usually the owner, employer,
landlord or managing agent) may decide that they are competent to carry out the risk
assessment themselves or they may choose to appoint a competent person to undertake
the risk assessment on their behalf. A decision on this may be made in conjunction
with their insurers.</p><p>The requirements for a competent person are set out in
the Fire Safety Order. A person is to be regarded as competent for the purposes of
making a fire risk assessment if they have sufficient training and experience or knowledge
and other qualities to enable them properly to assist in undertaking the preventative
and protective measures. To help those responsible for ensuring that the risk from
fire in their premises has been accurately assessed, the fire sector has produced
guidance on how to choose a competent fire risk assessor. This is available on <a
href="http://www.cfoa.org.uk/19532" target="_blank">www.cfoa.org.uk/19532</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>In addition, fire safety risk assessment guidance produced by the Government
and by the Local Government Association also provides advice and guidance to those
responsible for fire safety compliance to help them to accurately assess the risks
from fire and implement adequate and appropriate fire safety measures. This is available
here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-risk-assessments"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-risk-assessments</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government will consider the ongoing suitability of the Fire Safety Order
as part of the wider work underway following the horrific fire at Grenfell Tower.</p>
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