A property manager in west London was fined £5,600 and ordered to pay substantial costs after being found guilty of seven breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Offences included failing to properly assess the fire risks, and failing to provide a smoke alarm and ensure the escape route was protected by fire-resistant doors. The case related to a fire at a house converted into flats in Hayes in September 2007. Two residents were hurt as they escaped by jumping from a first-floor window.

The court heard that Armajit Singh did not own the premises, but was managing it for his uncle and was responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Darren Baird, Managing Director of Total Fire Services Ltd, one of the UK’s most prominent fire safety consultancy services, commented, “Under the requirements of the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety order (RRFSO) 2005, the responsible person for the premises must ensure that a fire safety risk assessment is completed regularly and that the results of the assessment should be made easily available to all members of staff, employees working or living in the building.”

Darren added, “Failure to do so may lead to prosecution and an appropriate fine, as was the case for the manaher of the property – Armajit Singh .”

Total Fire Services Ltd provides a full fire safety consultancy service. This involves the conducting of a fire risk assessment of the premises and any associated mediation required with enforcing authorities such as the Fire Authority, HSE, OFSTED, Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and Local Authority Building Control.