Managing Fire Safety in Sports & Leisure Facilities

Since the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into effect, the Responsible Person (usually employer) has been required to make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment with regard to fire. This assessment must be reviewed regularly and particularly if there is any reason to suspect that it is no longer valid or there have been significant changes that affect its validity.

The competency of those undertaking fire risk assessments is key and there is published guidance at https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/position-statements/fire-safety-risk-assessment-guidance/  and https://www.firesectorfederation.co.uk/advice/approved-code-of-practice/ .

To give confidence in the competence of those undertaking fire risk assessments, current industry guidance is that this is best demonstrated through registration with a professional body.

This IOSH approved intensive short course is designed not to equip staff to undertake a fire risk assessment or review, but to develop the knowledge and skills to recognise situations where the original assessment may no longer be valid. This might be through either gradual change (e.g., degradation of fire protective measures such as fire doors), or significant changes to facility use or layout. It will also help delegates recognise situations where more competent advice is needed. The course is intended for those working in low to medium risk buildings (such as most traditional leisure centres) and not higher risk buildings (such as residential, high rise, or complex premises).