The Regulatory Reform Order has changed the way all UK business' conduct health and safety requirements within their premises. Prior to the new legislation organisations were issued a fire certificate - however these certificates are no longer valid and have been replaced by the Fire Risk Assessment.

The new order states that business owners, employers and managers are now responsible for fire safety within their premises - these individuals are deemed 'responsible persons' and must ensure their premises complies.

One of the key requirements is to conduct a fire risk assessment and produce a file of evidence. Hundreds of organisations have failed to comply with the new legislation and inspections and warnings are catching up often resulting in fines.

A Barrow businessman received a conditional discharge suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay GBP 2,000 in costs after pleading guilty to a string of fire safety breaches in January.

Last year the Co-Operative Group was fined GBP 30,000 following the company's failure to ensure that the premises were adequately provided with the appropriate fire safety measures.

Small to medium organisations are often unaware of their new requirements and a lack of understanding and tight budgets can result in a lack of action.

PSAssociates are extending their range of fire safety toolkits to include a new version for small to medium businesses to aid the responsible person with their new requirements.

Designed specifically for small to medium businesses the new toolkit provides information and guidance for the responsible person to aid understanding and enable them to conduct their fire risk assessment.

All toolkits within the range are dedicated to specific organisations including Hotels & Guest Houses, Schools & Colleges, Meeting Places, Care Homes, Houses in Multiple Occupation and now Small to Medium Businesses.

The toolkits include a DVD and CD ROM containing a introductory film, tutorials, PowerPoint presentations, web links and downloadable documents enabling you to simply download, complete and print to create your file of evidence.

The DVD and CD ROM format enables you to train all members of staff without risk to confidential files. Printed material can also be supplied upon request.

The new toolkit will retail at just GBP 95.00 providing a cost effective solution to ensuring all premises comply.