Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) is asking businesses across the two counties to take part in an online survey so that it can develop a ‘more co-ordinated and consistent approach” in assisting companies to meet their ‘regulatory fire requirements’.

For DSFRS this means giving advice and support to businesses in managing fire safety within premises and ensuring compliance with the law. 

A statement from the fire service says that it is ‘fully committed to ensuring that people who work in and visit businesses are safe from fire and that business will receive consistent advice and information to ensure effective business continuity. 

‘We know regulation can be difficult to navigate so we want to simplify the process and develop better relationships between businesses and regulators. 

‘To help us in providing the correct level of advice and guidance, at the right time and right place, we are asking for feedback from business operators’.

The survey closes on 29 March and the service will then use the feedback to develop ‘Better Business for All’, part of a national government initiative aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on business.

Click here to view the survey.

Original sources

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service

This is the West Country 

Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a 'suitable and sufficient' fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.