Fire risks equal heavy fines

Article date: 23.06.11

* Businesses should take note of the misfortune of Shell UK and a breach of fire regulations which recently led to them being fined at the Inner London Crown Court the sum of £300,000 together with a costs order of £45,000 following two small fires at their London offices.

Following the fire an inspection showed a number of breaches of fire regulations which included blocked fire escapes and defective fire doors and this led to a Prosecution brought by the London Fire Brigade and the largest fine of its kind so far under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Mark Proctor says “The level of fine imposed by the Courts sends out a clear message just how seriously such breaches of regulation will be taken. In light of this judgement businesses should be careful to review their own fire procedures and polices and ensure these are being complied with”

Mark is a Partner at Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors LLP and is Head of Criminal, Regulatory and Road Traffic Defence. Mark can be contacted on 01202 294411 or email mark.proctor@aldridgebrownlee.co.uk. Marks team of qualified solicitors and solicitor advocates offer a full range of defence services for the individual and to business and commercial clients.

* This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.