One in three smaller businesses want the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to be replaced by old fire certificates, a IFSEC Fire survey found.
Of the 102 firms quizzed on the effectiveness of the 2005 order, 34 were keen for the return of fire certificates, while 32 backed the order but said they needed advice that was easier to understand.
A further 18 respondents did not think the order was fit for purpose, citing vague enforcement notices and inconsistent advice.
Three businesses were not in favour of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as they felt the fire services were not the right people to enforce it.
Only 14 respondents had no issue with the order, agreeing that it was clear and effective.
FIA chief executive Graham Elliot said these findings confirm what the association has been hearing at its Fire Safety Order seminars over the past six years.
“In the main, smaller businesses want a return to the issue of fire certificates and, while this is unlikely under the coalition, who knows what would happen under a Labour government?” he said.
Copyright Press Association 2013