HEALTH and safety specialist The Parr Group has presented an accountancy firm with one of the first new Fire Risk Assessment certificates to be awarded in the area.
Bentley's chartered accountants, based in Chorley New Road, Bolton, is among the first Bolton businesses to pass the assessment, which is required under new legislation, introduced on October 1, 2006.
The new law deems existing fire certificates invalid and shifts responsibility to owners of premises to ensure the safety of everyone who works at, and visits, their site.
Businesses which fail to comply face fines of up to £10,000.
Parr Group business development manager Brian Lawton is urging companies to obtain the new certificates.
He said: "Anybody that has not sought a fire risk assessment is putting themselves at great risk with the authorities. There is a duty of care to employees to ensure they are not at risk from fire. Premises owners have a responsibility to employ qualified experts to carry out an assessment."
Bentley's partner Mike Turner said: "We would recommend others to have a fire assessment completed as a matter of urgency."
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