In December 1999 the legislation concerning the regulations for Fire Precautions (Workplace) were amended to bring them in line with those elsewhere in the European Union. The legislation applies to all companies who employ more than five people. It requires an employer to carry out a fire risk assessment which:

• identifies amy potential fire rhazard

• decides who is at risk

• evaluates the dangers

• records findings

• tells employees what has been done

• regularly reviews, revisits and updates procedures