Northern Ireland Fire Legislation

[nearlythere]

Buzz when it comes into force it will simple bring NI in line with the rest of the UK. One good thing is its appears to get rid of unnecessary titles and simply refers to Employer, Person having control, Owner and Employee when dishing out the duties. (Article 25 to 28 of the Order).

NT do you know who will provide the guidance hopefully not the DCLG?

Yes. Have heard it is DCLG.
Another difference is that the common areas of dwellings is not a relevant place.

[Gasmeter]

After very exhaustive and brain numbing searching over some years, I'm still trying to find an unequivocal and authoritative definition of an HMO; is there one out there?  Will some buildings always be in a debatable category e.g. modern purpose built low rise student halls, with shared kitchens?  I know there's been some legal action over this type of accommodation within the last couple of years, involving just this sort of argument. 

P.S. This post was prompted by the NI Legislation, which includes common areas of HMOs as a relevant place, but not other dwellings.

[nearlythere]

This might help.

http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/yh-home/renting_privately/hmo/definition.htm

[Gasmeter]

Thanks NT, those categories are helpful, I do have them and every other bit of HMO guidance I can find, some of which contradict others; the reason I asked is that we carry out FRAs of these buildings anyway although there's debate about whether they actually are HMOs (I think they are!); I've recently been questioned as to whether it's a necessary expense, what with cut backs an' all.  Unfortunately some people see opportunities for savings in fire safety 

[Allen Higginson]

...and some see fire safety as a nice earner with each new piece of legislation. - it's getting the middle ground established that's the trick.

[nearlythere]

Thanks NT, those categories are helpful, I do have them and every other bit of HMO guidance I can find, some of which contradict others; the reason I asked is that we carry out FRAs of these buildings anyway although there's debate about whether they actually are HMOs (I think they are!); I've recently been questioned as to whether it's a necessary expense, what with cut backs an' all.  Unfortunately some people see opportunities for savings in fire safety 

Try this link as well GM.

http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/yh-home/renting_privately/hmo/registration.htm

Notice the "exemptions from registration".  Even though they are exempt the Housing Executive still refers to them a HMOs.

[Allen Higginson]

So (and taking into account the rest of the UK), will more companies be insisting on third party accreditation for fire alarm system and service providers?