(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order consolidates with amendments the law relating to fire services in Northern Ireland and makes new provision with respect to fire safety.
PART II of the Order establishes the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service Board, and transfers all assets, liabilities etc. of the Fire Authority for Northern Ireland to that Board. It confers core functions and other functions on the Board, makes provision concerning water supplies and confers powers on fire and rescue officers.
Part III replaces the existing fire precautions legislation based on the requirement to obtain a fire certificate, with a new requirement to comply with fire safety duties such as the duty to carry out risk assessments and to take specified fire safety measures. It makes provision for implementing in part Council Directives 89/391/EEC, 89/654/EEC, 91/383/EEC, 94/33/EC, 98/24/EC and 99/92/EC.
PART IV confers functions on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.