You are right Ken but I thought there may be a difference this time.
My memory of the history of the management regs, and especially the low key launch of the fire precautions workplace regs in 97 and then again in 99 was that the government was being directed by europe to do something and did so fairly reluctantly, feeling that what we had was ok and not really wanting to change things. The HSE (HSC) as an independent body were able to apply a much more positive direction though. and apply a broad base of leadership through all HSC members- government reps, CBI, Unions etc .
This time the change is mainly directed from within, though there is some rationalisation to aid compliance with the EU directive. So I thought the Govt might drive things forward with a little more impetus. But it appears this is not to be the case and as the enforcement will be by the fire authorities, puppets of the ODPM, there will be no independent champion to influence and improve standards.
So I think the RRO will be another damp squib and whilst we anoraks may argue long and hard about risk assessment formats, the meaning of significant hazards, suitable and sufficient etc we may as well save our breath because the launch and enforcement is going to be very low key.
I predict that without robust enforcement of the new order ( and I see few signs of this anywhere) current standards will decline for 5 years until insurance companies and civil claims take effect.