PAPER B
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FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE – 18 OCTOBER 2004 FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAMME REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR FIRE, EMERGENCY PLANNING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION |
In adopting this programme and subject to any amendments from the FAIRMaP consultation process, this Authority will be compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2004, when it becomes law in early 2005.
ACTION
REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE
To scrutinize the adoption as policy, of the Fire
Safety Inspection Programme (copy supplied), which will comply with the
forthcoming statutory duty on Fire Authorities to develop and maintain an
enforcement programme.
BACKGROUND
The development and management of a Fire Safety Risk Based Inspection Programme will provide important data to assist in the development and evaluation of the Service’s Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP). This will enable the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to fulfil its duty to manage the fire risk in the community.
Whilst the document is bespoke to this Authority, the data gathering and risk grading model has been developed within the Regulatory Reform Order Policy Development Working Group (RROPDWG) – Enforcement Sub Group. This is the South East Region working party, of which the Senior Fire Safety Officer is a member
This model, which will be trialled immediately and will be fully implemented within the programme by 1 October 2004, has been adopted as ‘best practice’ and will become the national model as ratified by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).
The Risk Based Inspection Programme forms part of the Service’s overall integrated approach to management by prioritising the inspection of premises. It will initially be necessary to determine the level of risk in the premises in question. This will be carried out by an on-site or remote audit, which will, on completion apply a risk rating. The risk to individual persons will be of concern to inspectors carrying out the audit, however it will be the potential for the loss of life or serious injury that will have a major influence on the level of risk determined.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
This policy is linked to FAIRMaP, with
specific reference identification being:
2B(a) – Regulatory Reform
Order (RRO), and
2B(b)
– Performance – Risk Assessment/Audit
of the Annual Community Safety Action Plan
for 2004/05 and 2005/06.
The Isle of Wight Fire and
Rescue Service staff consultation day, held at Medina Theatre on 22 July
2004 for the 2005/06 Action Plan, featured a presentation on the Fire Safety
Inspection Programme.
The FAIRMaP consultation process therefore
gives stakeholders the platform for comment and policy amendment.
FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND
DISORDER IMPLICATIONS
Staffing levels need to increase by a workload equivalent of 2 No. Inspecting Officers. Recent interviews for Leading Firefighters have selected 2 personnel to undertake RRO work within a defined reference area of responsibility for that level of rank. The filling of these positions will offset the staffing level increase identified.
The implementation of a Fire Safety Inspection Programme, is a requirement under the IRMP. The consequence of not reducing the fire risk in the community through this initiative, will risk failing to comply with a statutory duty. Risk score is 9 – Medium.
APPENDICES ATTACHED
Copy of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Fire Safety Inspection Programme.
Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Brigade Management Team Policy Proposal :
Fire Safety Inspection Programme, dated 3 August 2004
Contact Point: Richard Hards, Chief Fire Officer, ' 823199
e-mail
[email protected]
COUNCILLOR DAVID KNOWLES
Portfolio Holder for Fire, Emergency Planning and Consumer Protection