FireNet Community
THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005 => Q & A => Topic started by: TommyG on July 26, 2006, 09:49:56 AM
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How will the RRO affect people who work for large companies from home. The Fire precautions (workplace) regs 1997 does not apply to people who work in single domestic dwellings.
The RRO will apply to premises which are defined as any workplace, any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft, any installation on land, any other instalation and any tent or moveable structure.
To me, that categorically includes any form of building imaginable. But does this still exclude a domestic dwelling used to work from?
I'm not concerned about small companies that operate from home, just people who choose or are lucky enough to be chosen to work at home.
Thanks in advance
Tom Gilbert
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The RR(FS)O specifically excludes 'single domestic dwellings' from its application, so I presume it does not apply. In my area of concern I deal with vicarages, rectories and other clergy dwellings. These are often used for members of the public to meet with clergy. But I do not think this makes them 'places of public assembly' within the meaning of the RRO, and am advising my diocese accordingly.
It will be interesting to see how different FRSs act (or not act) on such matters.
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John,
Just to play devils advocate. Why would you not consider church halls, palces of public assembly? And if not which catagory do they fall.
Not that I work in this area, just interested.
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As single domestic dwellings are excluded from RRO, I cannot see homeworkers being affected by the RRO whilst in their own homes or indeed plumbers or domestic cleaners whilst working in such a dwelling
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Is it still a domestic if it is also a workplace? Specific things apply to live/work units. Insurance companies are interested and change their premiums if people work from home and Councils may charge a business rate. Do not forget that an Employer has to undertake an FRA and record it for all workplaces, if they have more than 5 employees, no matter where they work. Perhaps DCLG can give FRS some guidance, the 1st draft was poor and has been seen no more.
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Church halls are most definately 'Places of Public Assembly'. As far as my Diocese is concerned we are sending a leaflet to every church and clergy person, together with a copy of the DCLG 'Short Guide', to make certain they are all well aware of this. We are also making clear that churches themselves are now subject to the RRO, as well as outdoor events such as church fairs and outdoor services. I'm expecting a lot of inquiries later in the year! I suspect many of these will be how to make sensible arrangements in ancient and listed buildings.
We've also asked churches, in view of the application of the RRO to many buildings not previously covered, to send a copy of their Risk Assessment to the Diocese, so that I can monitor what is going on. If we find common weak points in RAs then we can ensure all parishes are made aware of these.
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If you are a 'home' worker or a plumber going into a private dwelling in the course of your buisiness, I would have thought that some kind RA would still be a necessity. Are domestic home insurance policies affected? This would seem similar to vehicle insurance of social/domestic/pleasure not covering you because you were delivering goods in the course of your work. I knew an electrician who unfortunately died as the result of an accident whilst working. He was not covered insurance wise as he was doing additional work to what was on the work dockit.
On the public assembly point are not bus/coach/train & airports places of public assembly, and then quite rightly church oriented rooms?
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There is no mention in the 'Large places of public assembly' to airports. I think those may be covered by the guide to transport and related facilities, which is not yet published.
Regarding workers in domestic premises, they may need a risk assessment under H&S at Work, but not, I believe, under the RR(FS)O. This says nothing about single domestic dwellings other than they are excluded. It might well be different, perhaps, if it is a building undergoing renovation and no one is living in it?