Explanatory Memorandum to Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Explanatory Memorandum

Summary of the Regulatory Appraisal

7.The Department has considered the regulatory impact of the provisions in the Order in light of both the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s assessment in respect of its Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and of the responses to the policy consultation.

8.The proposed new fire safety regime has implications as regards regulatory impact. The removal of the certification scheme and the designation of a responsible person mean that employers, and virtually all those responsible for non-domestic premises, will be affected. They will need to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the new legislation, including the assessment of fire risks within their premises. The associated cost will, however, be offset by relieving employers and businesses of the initial cost required by the old fire certification scheme. Moreover, the main aim of the reform is to reduce the administrative burdens presently on employers and businesses by streamlining the legislative requirements and replacing the existing system, which consists of multiple, overlapping general fire safety regimes and enforcing authorities.

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