On 8 September at Brighton Magistrates’ Court, Sawar Hussain, the ‘Responsible Person’ for fire safety management at NAASTA, an Indian street food takeaway located at 226 London Road in Burgess Hill, was prosecuted by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. He faced five charges brought under the fire safety legislation.

Fire safety failings

During an inspection of the premises, fire safety officers identified several serious breaches which placed residents sleeping in the building at significant risk. The breaches included:

• the lack of a suitable fire alarm system
• inadequate means of escape
• inadequate fire safety arrangements
• lack of testing and maintenance of key fire safety systems, including fire alarms and emergency lighting
• no evidence of sufficient staff training in respect of fire safety

Fire service statement

Area Manager Dave Bray, head of fire safety for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Fire safety regulations are in place for a reason and those with legal responsibility for fire safety management must adhere to these laws. The safety of the public is our highest priority. This sentencing serves as a clear reminder to all West Sussex businesses about the importance of complying with the fire safety legislation.”

He added:
“West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is committed to supporting businesses to ensure the safety of the public by providing fire safety advice and guidance and will always work with those who are willing to address their fire safety issues. We will not allow companies to attempt to hide from their duties when our fire safety inspectors identify that the lives of the public are being put at risk and will pursue legal action when appropriate.”

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