Introduction to Fire Safety Management

15.27.10 Young 
persons
When considering employing a young person the respon-
sible person must include particular aspects in his risk 
assessment [9(5)] such as their inexperience and lack of 
maturity, the type and extent of training, degree of expo-
sure to risk, the activities and premises that they may be 
undertaking their work in [Schedule 1 Part ].
As such it is therefore likely that you will include 
specifi c reference to these issues in your risk assessment.
15.27.11 Article 25 – Enforcement
The enforcing authority is usually the local Fire and 
Rescue Service [25(a)]; however, there are other enfor-
cing authorities:
➤
HSE (Health and Safety Executive) – nuclear instal-
lations, ships under construction and building sites 
[25(b)]
➤
MOD (Ministry of Defence) Fire Service – military 
and defence establishments [25(c)]
➤
Local authority – sports grounds and stadia [25(d)].
15.27.12 Article 27 – Inspectors
In most cases inspectors are offi cers from the local Fire 
and Rescue Service. An inspector has the right to:
➤
Enter into your premises or workplace if he is 
inspecting it but cannot force an entry [27(1)(a)]
➤
Make enquiries to establish the limits of the 
premises and who the responsible persons are 
[27(1)(b)]
➤
Inspect or take copies of any records [27(1)(c)]
➤
Take samples [27(1)(e)].
15.27.13 Article 29–31 – Notices and penalties
An ‘alterations notice’ may be served by an enforcing 
authority when in their opinion any changes may increase 
the level of risk signifi cantly (high risk premises) [29(1)].
An ‘enforcement notice’ may be served when the 
RRFSO has not been complied with, such as providing 
adequate fi re fi ghting equipment or emergency lighting 
[30(1)].
A ‘prohibition notice’ may be served when the 
enforcing authority is of the opinion that the premises 
pose a serious threat to life [31(1)].
Failing to comply with Articles 8 through 21 and 38 
of the RRFSO can result in a fi ne or a term of imprison-
ment not exceeding 2 years. Articles 8 through 21 cover 
all the main provisions referred to above.