Contribution by: Mr Darren Baird

Comment by: Mr Darren Baird

Focus area: Fire safety regulation

Regulator concerned: Fire safety (Fire Authority)

Comment:
In general there is a massive difference in the way in which the fire safety order is enforced across England and Wales. I own a fire safety consultancy practice and was formally an ex fire safety manager in the fire service. We have several clients with multiply buildings in differing fire authority areas where we have experienced fire safety issues that are acceptable in one area but not in another. One such premises type are supported living premises which are essentially domestic type premise where technically the fire safety order applies but some fire authorities are enforcing care type standards i.e. full detection systems, emergency lighting and even fire exit signs in what is in essence a 4 bedroomed house.