Not in my back yard?

5 July, 2010

You would have thought that if anyone was going to understand the complexities of fire safety law and ensure compliance, it would be the government department that steers fire safety policy in England and Wales – namely, the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Wrong! Information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act has revealed that the London headquarters of Communities and Local Government has been served with an enforcement notice under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) 2005.

The notice, which was served on 16 February on the then Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, details numerous shortcomings in fire safety measures and management at CLG’s Eland House premises in Victoria. These include the inability of the building to support the phased evacuation strategy; no adequate arrangements to ensure visitors and contractors are accounted for in an evacuation; and shortcomings in the means of escape for the number of people likely to occupy the building.

Although Eland House is categorised as Crown premises, it is nevertheless subject to safety legislation including the RRFSO, and enforcement procedures are similar to those of other premises.

However, Crown immunity means the responsible person cannot actually be prosecuted for the offences. So that’s all right then...