In cases where a risk exists and it is not being managed, Fire Authorities have a statutory duty to enforce compliance with the Regulations and they may serve a notice on you. In serious cases, penalties of a fine of up to £5000 (for each offence) on summary conviction in a Magistrates Court. Or an unlimited fine, or up to two years imprisonment, or both on conviction or indictment in a Crown Court, can be issued. Fines up to £400,000 and prison sentences have been issued.
The objective of fire compartmentation is to prevent the rapid spread of smoke and fire. By sub-dividing the building we can protect escape routes, high risk or high-value areas and prevent extensive losses.
An Emergency Plan should set out to include what to do in case of fire, identify the escape routes, where to assemble and how to contact the Fire and Rescue Service. The fire safety equipment and any equipment that provides a possible ignition source (e.g. cooking, electrical appliances, etc.) should be regularly maintained to reduce the chance of fire and the risk to people. Frequent checks should also be made to make sure that the storage of materials, especially flammable materials, does not increase the risk of fire or prevent the use of escape routes. It is important that all members of staff know how to prevent fires and what to do if a fire does occur. To make sure that the emergency plan works regular fire drills should be carried out.