Property manager fined for seven fire safety breaches

15/01/2009

In another example of the fact that Brigades throughout the country are now vigorously pursuing prosecution cases against those who contravene the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, a Hillingdon based property manager has been found guilty of seven breaches of fire safety legislation.

Uxbridge Magistrates' Court fined Armajit Singh £5,600, which together with costs left the property manager with a bill of almost £13,000. Fire investigators discovered that there were a number of faults in premises managed by Mr Singh.

An interesting aspect of this case is the way in which it illustrates the role of the ‘responsible person'. Mr Singh did not own the flat in question but managed it on behalf of his uncle. As the manager, he was within the terms of the Fire Safety Order, the responsible person and therefore liable to prosecution in the event of any breaches of the Order.

After the successful case brought by London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety Regulation, Steve Turek, referred to this when he stated:

"The residents involved in this fire suffered injuries but it could have been a lot worse. The property has no smoke alarm or an accessible means of escape and this incident could have resulted in a death or more severe injuries to the occupants. It is important for people who are responsible for managing properties to know that they can be held to account for fire safety failures that are within their control."

Compliance with the Order in the form of a proper fire risk assessment of the premises would have highlighted the significant risks and hazards and allowed the faults illustrated by the case to have been addressed prior to the fire taking place. Those responsible persons who do not have adequate fire safety measures in place have received a salutary reminder of the fact that they can be held personally accountable for any breaches.