08 Jun 2012
Childminders are calling for changes to fire safety regulations to clarify their duties in the event of a blaze.
Industry experts want the regulations to be amended to make their need for compliance more evident, following a Scottish Government consultation on what exactly is deemed ‘relevant premises’ in the Fire (Scotland) Act.
The act sets out businesses’ fire safety responsibilities, and community safety minister Roseanna Cunningham has stated that she is to alter the rules to confirm that childminders need to comply. “It is vital that every business in Scotland is aware of its obligations towards fire safety,” she said.
Ms Cunningham said that the care sector had expressed worries over the application of the law but she confirmed that the planned changes “remove any doubt that fire safety obligations apply to childminders’ premises.”
“This change allows childminders across Scotland to be absolutely sure of how the law affects them and what they need to do to fulfil their legal obligations in keeping children in their care safe from fire,” said Scottish Childminding Association spokesman.
Copyright Press Association 2012