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Timestamp: 2020-02-22 22:47:41
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Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'ART 6', 'ART 7', 'ART 8', 'ART 9', 'ART 10', 'ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'ART 4', 'ART 5']

BERMUDA FIRE SAFETY ACT : 33 - PDF Free Download
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1 QUO FA T A F U E R N T BERMUDA FIRE SAFETY ACT : Citation Interpretation Application of Act Inconsistency or conflict Binding on the Crown TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1 PRELIMINARY PART 2 BERMUDA FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE TO PROMOTE AND ENFORCE FIRE SAFETY AND PROTECTION; FIRE SAFETY CODES FOR BERMUDA Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responsible for fire safety and protection Adoption of NFPA Codes Minister may issue supplemental fire safety codes PART 3 FIRE CERTIFICATE Fire certificate required in connection with certain use of premises Application for fire certificate Determination of applications Certification of plans Issue of fire certificate Contents of fire certificate Duration of fire certificate; display Renewal of fire certificate Transfer of fire certificate Refusal of fire certificate 1
2 Changes affecting adequacy of fire certificate Record of fire certificates and certified plans PART 4 SURVEY OF FIRE RISK FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS IN CONNECTION WITH FIRE CERTIFICATE Survey of fire risk Arrangements for survey of fire risk Power to enter and carry out risk survey Supplemental powers of entry: risk survey Fire safety requirements Action pursuant to risk survey PART 5 ENFORCEMENT Enforcement of Act Fire Inspectors Powers of Fire Inspectors Powers of entry and inspection Supplemental powers of entry: enforcement Enforcement notice Prohibition notice Definition of potentially dangerous premises and apparently responsible person Supplementary powers of enforcement Assistance to Fire Inspectors Protection from liability PART 6 FIRE SAFETY DUTIES Duty to take fire precautions Duty to report fire and fire alarm Fire safety record to be kept Elimination or reduction of risks from dangerous commodities Offences: penalties Offences by body corporate Proceedings for offences Defence Appeal to Fire Services Board Appeal to Court PART 7 OFFENCES AND APPEALS PART 8 CO-OPERATION IN THE INTEREST OF FIRE SAFETY, GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS 2
3 Duty of licensing authority to consult Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service regarding fire safety matters Amendments to regulations and instruments about fire safety Regulations Service of notices PART 9 AMENDMENTS Amendment of Development and Planning Act 1974 Amendment of Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service Act 1982 Amendment of Government Fees Regulations 1976 Consequential amendments Savings Transitional Commencement PART 10 FINAL PROVISIONS SCHEDULE 1 PREMISES FOR WHICH FIRE CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED SCHEDULE 2 CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS WHEREAS it is expedient in the interest of public safety to create a régime enhancing the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service s powers to promote fire safety and protection in premises in Bermuda at every stage of development, from the design stage through construction and use to demolition of premises; Be it enacted by The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Bermuda, and by the authority of the same, as follows: PART 1 PRELIMINARY Citation 1 This Act may be cited as the Fire Safety Act Interpretation 2 In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service means the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service continued under section 4 of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service Act 1982; 3
4 building includes any structure or erection of whatever kind or nature, whether permanent or temporary, or any part of a building or a structure or an erection; building operation has the meaning given in section 2(1) of the Building Act 1988; Chief Fire Officer means the person who holds the public office of Chief Fire Officer pursuant to the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service Act 1982 and includes a person appointed to act in such office; Commencement Date has the meaning given in section 58; commercial premises means premises used wholly or partly for the purposes of a trade or business; Court means Magistrates Court; dangerous commodity includes petroleum, rock oil, Rangoon oil, Burmah oil, benzine, petrol, naptha, gasoline and any oil made from petroleum, coal, schist, shale, peat, or any bituminous substance, and every product of petroleum and of the above-mentioned substances, and also includes gunpowder, nitroglycerine, cordite and all other explosives; design includes the preparation of plans, particulars, drawings, specifications, calculations and other expressions of purpose according to which construction, extension, alteration, repair or renewal concerned is to be executed, and designed shall be construed accordingly; fire alarm and detection equipment includes a fire alarm control panel, bell, horn or other visual or audible device, annunciator panel, pull station or switch, voice control system, telephone or fire alarm box used in connection with a fire alarm, heat or smoke detector, smoke alarm, associated wiring installation and other equipment connected to or associated with a fire alarm or fire detection device or equipment and a component associated with the operation of any of these systems or devices; fire certificate means a certificate issued under section 13; fire officer means an officer of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service; fire inspector has the meaning given in section 28; fire precautions has the meaning given in section 38(3); fire protection equipment includes a portable or wheeled type fire extinguisher, fixed fire extinguishing system, including carbon dioxide, sprinkler, water spray, foam, wetting agent, dry chemical, interior or exterior fire hose stations, fire department connections, fire hydrants, fire apparatus, fire pumps and accessories and other equipment or components associated with fire protection or suppression equipment used or intended to be used in the operation of any of these systems, or devices for the protection from or suppression of fire; fire safety information means information relating to the design and construction of premises or extension, and the services, fittings and equipment provided in or in connection with the building or extension which will assist the person 4
5 responsible for premises to operate and maintain the premises or extension with reasonable safety; Fire Services Board means the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services Advisory Board established under section 9 of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service Act 1982 and, in relation to any function lawfully delegated by them to any other person or body, includes a committee of the Board; licensing authority has the meaning assigned to it by section 48(1); licensing has the meaning given by section 48(1); Minister means the Minister responsible for Fire Services; NFPA means the National Fire Protection Association; NFPA Codes has the meaning given in section 7; personal protective equipment means all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person in or on premises and which protects that person against one or more risks to his safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective; person responsible for premises means in relation to a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his control; in relation to premises not being a workplace under the control of an employer premises means the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise); or the owner, where no other person has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise); any building or part of a building which does not fall within the provisions of the Bermuda Residential Building Code, and is put to at least one of the classes of use described in Schedule 1, the land on which it stands and any adjoining land held therewith; any undeveloped land which is put to at least one of the classes of use described in Schedule 1; prescribed means (i) (ii) prescribed by Regulations; or in relation to fees, such fees as may be prescribed by regulations under the Government Fees Act 1965; private dwelling means a residential dwelling not exceeding 5000 square feet in area on any floor level and not exceeding two storeys or 24 feet in height; 5
6 prohibition notice means a notice given under section 33; Regulations means regulations made under this Act; structure includes a building, plant, machinery, equipment, storage tank, storage place or fixture of any kind and a part of any of them erected or placed on, in, over or under land or water; victualling establishment has the meaning given in regulation 2(1) of the Public Health (Food) Regulations 1950, and includes any open-air area or al fresco dining area used in connection with that establishment; workplace means any premises or parts of premises, not being a private dwelling, used for the purposes of an employer s undertaking and which are made available to an employee of the employer as a place of work and includes any place within the premises to which such employee has access while at work; and any room, lobby, corridor, staircase, road (other than a public road), or other place used as a means of access to or egress from that place of work; or where facilities are provided for use in connection with that place of work, other than a public road; works includes any building operation or act in connection with the design, construction, extension, alteration, repair, renewal or demolition of premises. Application of Act 3 This Act applies in relation to all premises except (i) (ii) any premises that are used or occupied exclusively as a single private dwelling; any multiple unit dwelling premises each unit of which is occupied exclusively as a single private dwelling including any garden, yard, garage or other appurtenance of such premises which is not used in common by the occupants of more than one such dwelling. Inconsistency or conflict 4 In the event of any conflict between a provision in this Act or the Regulations and a provision relating to fire safety and protection in any other law, the provision in this Act or Regulations relating to fire safety and protection shall prevail. Binding on the Crown 5 This Act binds the Crown. 6
7 PART 2 BERMUDA FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE TO PROMOTE AND ENFORCE FIRE SAFETY AND PROTECTION; FIRE SAFETY CODES FOR BERMUDA Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service responsible for fire safety and protection 6 (1) The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service shall have overall authority and responsibility with respect to fire safety and protection, and the promotion thereof, in premises in Bermuda at every stage of development of premises, from the design stage through construction to alteration, repair, use, occupancy or demolition of premises. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service shall have the duties and functions conferred on it by this Act and the Regulations and any other law relating to fire safety and protection in premises. Adoption of NFPA Codes 7 (1) The provisions of the National Fire Protection Association standards and codes of practice as amended from time to time (hereinafter referred to as the NFPA Codes ) shall have the force of law in Bermuda and shall be construed with the necessary modifications to bring them into conformity with this Act and Regulations. (2) A copy of the NFPA Codes shall be kept in the office of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, or at some other convenient location, and made available for inspection by members of the public during regular office hours, without charge. (3) Section 6 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1977 shall not apply with respect to NFPA codes adopted under the provisions of this section. Minister may issue supplemental fire safety codes 8 (1) The Minister may issue supplementary fire safety codes that are essential to take account of the operational requirements of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services and which relate to matters which are not specifically provided for by the NFPA Codes. (2) In preparing and issuing any fire safety codes under this section, the Minister shall act on the advice of the Chief Fire Officer who shall consult as he considers appropriate officers of the Department of Planning, the Department of Works and Engineering and the Department of Health; and persons representing the architectural, construction, engineering and surveying professions in Bermuda. (3) Subject to subsection (4), the Minister shall inform the public by means of a notice published in the Gazette at least three months in advance of the date on which a fire safety code comes into effect, and shall state in the notice whether the code replaces or amends any previous fire safety code. 7
8 (4) The Minister may waive or reduce the period of three months mentioned in subsection (3) as he thinks fit where a code amends a previous code, to correct a mistake, or in any circumstances where it is reasonably required in the interest of public safety. (5) Notwithstanding that a fire safety code has replaced or amended a previous fire safety code ( the old Code ) with effect from a specified date, the old Code shall continue to apply, or shall continue to apply without the amendments (as the case may be) to any works in respect of which the application for a fire certificate was received by the Chief Fire Officer before that date (whether or not a fire certificate has been issued or works have commenced). (6) A copy of fire safety codes issued from time to time under this section shall be made available for inspection free of charge at the office of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service during normal working hours and may also be made available on a website hosted by that department. (7) Section 6 of the Statutory Instruments Act 1977 shall not apply with respect to codes issued under this section. PART 3 FIRE CERTIFICATE Fire certificate required in connection with certain use of premises 9 (1) A fire certificate shall be required in relation to any premises which are, or are intended to be, put to any class of use set out in Schedule 1. (2) Where a fire certificate is required under this Act, no person shall use the premises or perform any works with respect to the premises, as the case may be, unless either there is a valid fire certificate authorising such use; or an application for a fire certificate or its renewal has been made to the Chief Fire Officer under section 10 or 16 and either (i) (ii) (iii) any plans that are required by law for the design or construction or alteration of the premises, have been certified with respect to fire safety requirements by the Chief Fire Officer pursuant to section 12; fire safety requirements and a plan for their implementation have been concluded by the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector under Part 4; or the applicant has complied with the provisions of section 19 where he proposes to make any changes to his premises that are referred to in that section. (3) The person responsible for premises commits an offence if the premises are put to a class of use set out in Schedule 1 at a time when no fire certificate covering the use is in force with respect to the premises. 8
9 (4) A person does not commit an offence under subsection (3) by reason only of the premises being put to a designated use set out in Schedule 1, provided an application for a fire certificate covering the premises and that use has been duly made and before the certificate has been granted or refused. (5) The Minister may by order subject to the negative resolution procedure amend Schedule 1. Application for fire certificate 10 (1) An application for a fire certificate with respect to any premises shall be made by the person responsible for premises to the Chief Fire Officer in the prescribed form and shall (d) (e) specify the particular use or uses of the premises which it is desired to have covered by the fire certificate; specify the stage of the works (if any) in respect of which an application for a fire certificate is made; give such fire safety information as may be prescribed about the premises and any prescribed matter connected with them; if the premises consists of part of a building, in so far as it is available to the applicant, give such information as may be prescribed about the rest of the building and any prescribed matter connected with it; and be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (2) On receipt of an application for a fire certificate, the Chief Fire Officer may require the applicant within such time as may be specified to furnish him with such plans relating to the premises as he may specify; and if the premises consists of part of a building, to furnish him, in so far as it is possible for the applicant to do so, with such plans of such other part or parts of the building as he may specify. (3) Where the Chief Fire Officer, having considered an application for a fire certificate is disposed to granting such certificate subject to any modification of the plans, calculations, specifications or particulars to which the application relates, he may require the applicant to submit to him revised plans, specifications or other particulars providing for such modification. Determination of applications 11 (1) Where an application for a fire certificate with respect to any premises has been made and all such plans and documentation relating thereto as may be required to be furnished in connection with it have been duly furnished, to the Chief Fire Officer under section 10, the Chief Fire Officer may, subject to the provisions of this Act grant a fire certificate, with or without conditions; or 9
10 refuse to grant the fire certificate. (2) In the exercise of his discretion under this section, the Chief Fire Officer shall take into account any representations relating to the application which are received by him. Certification of plans 12 (1) Where an application for a fire certificate with respect to any premises has been made and all such plans and documentation relating thereto as are required to be furnished in connection with it have been duly furnished, the Chief Fire Officer shall cause to be carried out an inspection of the plans and related documentation for the premises. (2) Where on an inspection of the plans with respect to any premises the Chief Fire Officer is satisfied as regards any use of the premises specified in the application that (d) the means of escape from the premises; the measures for securing that the means of escape can be safely and effectively used at all material times; the means for fighting fire in or on the premises by persons in or on the premises; and the means for detecting fire and giving persons in the premises warning, are such as may be reasonably required in the circumstances in connection with the use of the premises, the Chief Fire Officer shall stamp the plans certifying that the fire safety design with respect to the premises, if constructed or maintained as the case may be in accordance with the plans, documents and information submitted, would comply with the minimum standards, codes and requirements for fire safety and protection under this Act and the Regulations. (3) No person shall perform any works with respect to premises requiring a fire certificate unless the fire safety design of the plans or other such documents relating to the proposed works have been certified by the Chief Fire Officer under subsection (2) before such works are commenced. Issue of fire certificate 13 (1) The Chief Fire Officer shall issue a fire certificate where on completion of any works on premises or on the implementation of a plan concluded pursuant to section 21, he is satisfied as regards any use of the premises that the means specified in section 12(2) to (d) are such as may be reasonably required in the circumstances in connection with the use of the premises. (2) A fire certificate shall only be construed as certifying that, with respect to fire safety, the premises if constructed or maintained, as the case may be, in accordance with the plan, documents or information submitted, would comply with the relevant provisions of the NFPA Codes and this Act. (3) Where a fire certificate is issued subject to conditions, the Chief Fire Officer shall, if requested to do so, inform the applicant of the reasons. 10
11 Contents of fire certificate 14 (1) Every fire certificate issued shall be in the prescribed form and specify (d) (e) (f) the name of the premises and the name of any business operated on the premises; the name of the person responsible for premises; the street address of the premises and the mailing address if it is different; the particular use or uses of the premises which the fire certificate covers; any conditions; and the date when the fire certificate expires. (2) A fire certificate issued with respect to any premises may impose such conditions as the Chief Fire Officer considers appropriate in the circumstances including conditions (d) (e) (f) relating to the use or uses of the premises; for securing that the means of escape in the event of fire with which the relevant premises is provided is adequate and that it is properly maintained and kept free from obstruction; as to the type, number and location of fire alarm and detection equipment, fire protection equipment and fire safety information for securing the safety of persons in or on the premises in the event of fire; where the premises are a workplace, for securing that persons employed to work in the premises receive appropriate instruction or training in what to do in the event of fire, and that records are kept of instruction or training given for that purpose; for limiting the number of persons who may be in or on the premises at any one time; and as to other precautions to be observed in the relevant premises in relation to the risk, in the event of fire, to the safety of persons in the premises, and may, where appropriate, do so by means of or by reference to a plan. (3) Any conditions imposed by virtue of subsection (2) by a fire certificate issued with respect to any premises may be framed either so as to apply to the whole of the premises or so as to apply to one or more parts of it; may be framed so as to impose different conditions in relation to different parts of premises; and may, where the fire certificate covers more than one use of the premises, be framed so as to impose different conditions in relation to different uses of the premises or of any part of the premises. 11
12 (4) A fire certificate issued with respect to any premises shall be sent to the person responsible for premises to which it relates. Duration of fire certificate; display 15 (1) A fire certificate issued by the Chief Fire Officer shall be valid for a period not exceeding five years from the date of its issue and may be renewed. (2) So long as the fire certificate is in force, the person responsible for premises shall cause a copy of the fire certificate to be kept and displayed in a conspicuous place at the premises; and the original fire certificate and any records required to be kept under any conditions contained in the fire certificate are kept safe and available to a Fire Inspector or any occupier of the premises in respect of which the fire certificate has been issued. Renewal of fire certificate 16 (1) An application for the renewal of a fire certificate with respect to any premises shall be made by the person responsible for premises to the Chief Fire Officer in the prescribed form and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (2) Where the Chief Fire Officer is satisfied (either on inspection under Part 5 or otherwise) as to the matters in section 12(2) to (d) and as to compliance with conditions (if any) imposed under section 14(2) with respect to the applicant s premises, the Chief Fire Officer shall renew the fire certificate. Transfer of fire certificate 17 (1) A person who holds a fire certificate issued under this Act in relation to his premises shall not assign or transfer his fire certificate without the prior written consent of the Chief Fire Officer. (2) An agreement relating to any such assignment or transfer, unless it is made subject to that consent is void. Refusal of fire certificate 18 (1) Where the Chief Fire Officer is not satisfied that the means mentioned in section 12(2) to (d) are such as may be reasonably required in the circumstances in connection with the use of the premises, the Chief Fire Officer shall by notice in writing served on the applicant inform him of that fact and the steps which would have to be taken in order to satisfy the Chief Fire Officer as regards that use; and notify the applicant that he will not certify the plans or issue a fire certificate with respect to the premises, unless those steps are taken within the time specified in the notice. 12
13 (2) If at the end of the time specified under subsection (1) or such further time as may be allowed by the Chief Fire Officer or by determination or order made in proceedings arising out of an appeal under section 46 or 47, a fire certificate covering that use has not been issued, it shall be deemed to have been refused. Changes affecting adequacy of fire certificate 19 (1) Where the person responsible for premises in respect of which a fire certificate has been issued under section 13 (d) proposes to make a material extension of, or material structural alteration to, the premises; proposes to make a material alteration in the internal arrangement of his premises or in the furniture or equipment with which the premises are provided; proposes to begin to keep explosive or highly flammable materials of any kind permitted by law to be kept anywhere under, in or on the premises; or intends for any reason to leave his premises unoccupied for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, the person responsible for changes shall, before the carrying out of the proposals is begun and as regards subsection (1)(d) before his premises are vacated, give notice to the Chief Fire Officer in writing of his proposal or intention. (2) As soon as is practicable after receipt of such a notice from the person responsible for premises or in any circumstances where he becomes aware of any of the matters referred to in subsection (1), the Chief Fire Officer shall carry out an inspection or a survey of the premises under Part 4. (3) If the Chief Fire Officer considers (either pursuant to an inspection or a survey or otherwise) that, as regards any premises with respect to which a fire certificate is in force it would, in consequence of a change of conditions, be appropriate to amend the certificate for any of the following purposes, that is to say to vary or revoke any condition or requirement which the fire certificate imposes by virtue of section 14(2); to add to the conditions or requirements which the fire certificate so imposes; or to alter the effect of the fire certificate as to the person or persons responsible for premises covered by the fire certificate, the Chief Fire Officer may make such amendments in the fire certificate as he thinks fit for that purpose or issue a new fire certificate embodying those amendments. Record of fire certificates and certified plans 20 The Chief Fire Officer shall keep a record in writing in such form as he considers appropriate of fire certificates issued or renewed by him, and plans certified by him. 13
14 PART 4 SURVEY OF FIRE RISK FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS IN CONNECTION WITH FIRE CERTIFICATE Survey of fire risk 21 (1) This Part applies to premises existing on the Commencement Date ( existing premises ); and premises in this Part means existing premises. (2) The Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector shall carry out a risk survey of premises for the purpose of (3) premises determining in relation to the use or intended use of the premises the fire safety requirements that would be adequate to protect the safety of persons in or on the premises in the event of fire; and concluding a plan for fire safety requirements to be implemented by the person responsible for premises within the time specified by the Chief Fire Officer or Fire Inspector in the plan. The Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector may carry out a risk survey of (d) (e) (f) (g) where he receives a request pursuant to section 22(1); before he issues, renews or consents to the transfer of a fire certificate in relation to the premises; before he varies or alters any condition imposed on a fire certificate in relation to the premises; where he receives plans in connection with any proposed works on the premises; where he is satisfied that works are taking place in relation to the premises and he has not certified any plans that are required by law relating to such works; where he is satisfied that the premises are occupied and being used for a purpose set out in Schedule 1 and there is no valid fire certificate with respect to the premises; or where he is satisfied that the premises have been unoccupied for a period of 30 consecutive days or more and such premises may be a fire risk. (4) For the purposes of this Part, the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector shall write to the person responsible for premises advising him of the provisions of this Part and the date and time within 14 days of the date of the notice when it is proposed that such risk survey should be carried out. 14
15 Arrangements for survey of fire risk 22 (1) Every person responsible for premises shall submit to the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service a request to have the premises surveyed for fire risk by that department where a fire certificate is required with respect to the premises; or renewal or transfer of a fire certificate is required with respect to the premises. (2) A request shall be submitted in writing in the prescribed form and within the prescribed time to the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service. Power to enter and carry out risk survey 23 (1) Without prejudice to any other provision of law but subject to subsection (2), the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector may enter upon and survey or inspect any premises for concluding fire safety requirements under this Part. (2) Before a survey is carried out under the authority of subsection (1), the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector shall give such notice to the person responsible for premises which he intends to survey, or to some agent or servant of the person responsible for premises, of the intention to carry out the survey as may, in the circumstances of the case and having regard to the objects of the survey, be reasonable. (3) The Chief Fire Officer or Fire Inspector shall, if so required when visiting any premises in the exercise of powers conferred by this Act, produce to the person responsible for premises some duly authenticated document showing his authority. (4) The person responsible for premises or, as the case may be, his agent or servant shall be given an opportunity to be present or have some person selected by him to be present at the survey. Supplemental powers of entry: risk survey 24 (1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a magistrate on sworn information in writing by the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector entitled to enter upon premises in pursuance of this Part that the matters in subsection (2) apply, the magistrate may by warrant under his hand authorise that person to enter the premises and survey them for the purposes of this Part. (2) A magistrate shall not issue a warrant under subsection (1) in respect of any premises unless he is satisfied that entry to the premises in pursuance of subsection (1) was sought after not less than 14 days notice of the intended entry had been served on the person responsible for premises; that entry to the premises in pursuance of section 23(1) was sought and was refused by or on behalf of the person responsible for premises; or 15
16 that the premises are vacant and have been unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days or the person responsible for premises is temporarily absent. (3) A warrant under subsection (2) continues in force until the purpose for which the entry is required has been satisfied. (4) A person who, in the exercise of powers conferred upon him by virtue of this section, enters upon any premises which is vacant or from which the person responsible therefor is temporarily absent shall leave the premises as effectually secured against trespassers as he found them. Fire safety requirements 25 (1) Fire safety requirements concluded by the Chief Fire Officer pursuant to section 21 may include any or all of the following (2) (d) (e) (f) (g) the provision and maintenance of exit signs, emergency lighting and notices as to the procedure to be followed in the event of fire; the arrangements to be made for the provision and maintenance of equipment and fittings for fire detection, fire prevention, the extinguishing of fires, giving of warning in the event of fire, and securing that the means of escape can be safely and effectively used at all material times; the installation, maintenance and use of the power, lighting, heating and ventilating systems of the premises; the measures to be taken for securing that persons employed in the premises receive adequate training in fire safety, and what to do in the event of fire, and that records are kept of such instruction or training; the nomination of an appropriate person or persons employed in the premises to have responsibility for fire safety and protection measures in the premises; limiting the number of persons who may be in the premises at any one time; or any other matters that appear to be relevant to the Chief Fire Officer for the purposes of ensuring the safety of persons in or on the premises in the event of fire. The Chief Fire Officer, in relation to the premises shall specify the fire safety requirements under NFPA Life Safety Code that are deemed necessary; and ensure (in accordance with section 26) that if any works on the premises cause the premises to become unsafe or adversely affect the matters set out in section 12(2) to (d) that such matters shall be rectified to the satisfaction of the Chief Fire Officer. 16
17 (3) The Chief Fire Officer shall conclude a plan for the implementation of fire safety requirements and shall specify a time period within which the person responsible for premises shall comply with such fire safety requirements specified by him, and where the Chief Fire Officer considers it appropriate, the time period may be extended. (4) The Chief Fire Officer shall give the person responsible for premises concerned the opportunity to be heard and shall take any such representations into consideration before he concludes fire safety requirements with respect to the premises. Action pursuant to risk survey 26 The Chief Fire Officer shall not issue or renew, alter or amend or approve the transfer, of a fire certificate with respect to premises unless he is satisfied that the fire safety requirements specified or concluded by him under this Part have been properly implemented by the person responsible for premises. PART 5 ENFORCEMENT Enforcement of Act 27 It shall be the duty of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the Chief Fire Officer and every Fire Inspector to enforce and ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act and the Regulations; and in consultation with the appropriate licensing authority, to enforce the provisions in any law relating to fire safety and protection. Fire Inspectors 28 (1) The Chief Fire Officer shall appoint in writing fire officers in the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service as Fire Inspectors for the purposes of enforcing the provisions of this Act, the Regulations and the provisions of any other law relating to fire safety and protection. (2) Every Fire Inspector shall be provided with a certificate of his appointment as a Fire Inspector signed by the Chief Fire Officer and an identity card issued to him specifying the date of issue; bearing his full name and a photograph of him; and bearing the signature of the Chief Fire Officer. (3) A Fire Inspector shall, if requested to do so, produce that identity card for inspection to any person in relation to whose premises the Fire Inspector is about to exercise, is exercising or has exercised a power relating to fire safety and protection conferred by this Act or the Regulations or any other law. 17
18 (4) An identity card appearing to have been provided under subsection (2) is, without proof of the signature of the person who signed it or that person s authority to sign it, evidence of the appointment to which the identity card appears to relate. Powers of Fire Inspectors 29 (1) Subject to this Act, a Fire Inspector may do anything necessary for the purpose of carrying into effect this Act and the Regulations, and any other provision of law relating to fire safety or fire protection. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a Fire Inspector may at any reasonable time for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act and the Regulations (d) (e) enter premises, including such premises as are mentioned in subsection (3), and inspect the whole or any part thereof, and anything in the premises; make such inquiry as may be necessary; require the production of, and inspect, any fire certificate in force in relation to any premises or any copy of any such certificate; with respect to equipment on the premises (i) (ii) (iii) require any person for the time being in charge therein to produce for inspection fire protection equipment or any fire alarm and detection equipment in the premises; inspect any such equipment so produced; conduct examinations or tests of such equipment found in premises, either at the premises, or by removing the equipment from the premises to conduct examinations or tests of it; require any person having responsibilities in relation to any such premises (whether or not the person responsible for premises or a person employed to work therein) to give him such facilities and assistance with respect to any matters or things to which the responsibilities of that person extend as are necessary for the purpose of enabling the Fire Inspector to exercise any of the powers conferred on him by this subsection. (3) If a Fire Inspector thinks it necessary for the purposes of his inspection, he may also inspect premises or part of premises that form part of or are adjacent to the premises the subject of his inspection. (4) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that the powers conferred on Fire Inspectors under this Part to enter and inspect premises in relation to fire safety and protection are in addition to powers conferred on the Chief Fire Officer, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service and fire officers under any other law. 18
19 Powers of entry and inspection 30 (1) Without prejudice to any other provision of law but subject to subsection (2), the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector may at any reasonable time enter upon and inspect any premises for the purpose of enforcing and ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Act and the Regulations. (2) Before an inspection is carried out under the authority of subsection (1), the Fire Inspector shall give such notice to the person responsible for premises which the Fire Inspector intends to inspect, or to some agent or servant of the person responsible for premises of the intention to carry out the survey or inspection as may, in the circumstances of the case and having regard to the objects of the inspection, be reasonable. (3) The person responsible for premises or, as the case may be, his agent or servant shall be given an opportunity to be present or have some person selected by him to be present at the inspection. Supplemental powers of entry: enforcement 31 (1) If it is shown to the satisfaction of a magistrate on sworn information in writing by the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector entitled to enter upon premises in pursuance of enforcement under this Part (d) that entry to the premises has been refused to that person; that entry has not been refused, but such a refusal is apprehended; that the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent and the case is one of urgency; or that there are reasonable grounds for his entry upon the premises for the purpose for which entry is required, then, subject to subsection (3), the magistrate may by warrant under his hand authorise that person to enter and inspect the premises together with a police officer above the rank of sergeant, if need be by force in case of urgency. (2) A warrant issued under subsection (1) continues in force until the purpose for which the entry is required has been satisfied. (3) In this section any reference to urgency is a reference to a case where a person requiring entry to any premises has reasonable cause to believe that circumstances exist which are likely to endanger life or safety in case of a fire and that immediate entry to the premises is necessary to verify the existence of those circumstances, or to ascertain their cause, or to effect a remedy. (4) A person who wilfully obstructs another person acting in the exercise of any powers conferred on the other person by virtue of this Part commits an offence against this Act. Enforcement notice 32 (1) Where pursuant to an inspection under this Part or otherwise, a Fire Inspector is of the opinion that there has been a contravention of, or failure to comply with, the 19
20 provisions of this Act or the Regulations or any provision of law relating to fire safety and protection he may serve on the person responsible for premises a notice in writing (an enforcement notice ). (2) An enforcement notice served on such person shall state that the Fire Inspector is of the opinion referred to in subsection (1); specify the failure or contravention, and the relevant provision; require the owner or occupier or any manager to produce for inspection or copying, in whole or in part, any record or other document that the Fire Inspector believes on reasonable grounds contains information relevant to the administration of this Act or the Regulations; state what steps are necessary to remedy the contravention or failure and comply with the provision in question; require the owner or occupier within such reasonable time as may be specified, or such further time as the Fire Inspector may allow, to take steps as are specified in the enforcement notice to remedy the failure or contravention and ensure such compliance. (3) An enforcement notice may include directions as to the measures which the Fire Inspector considers are necessary to remedy the contravention or failure referred to in subsection (2), and any measures may be framed so as to afford the person on whom the enforcement notice is served a choice between different ways of remedying the contravention or failure. (4) Before serving an enforcement notice which would oblige a person to make an alteration to premises, the Fire Inspector shall, if it is reasonably practicable to do so, consult as appropriate the relevant licensing authority and any other person whose consent to the alteration would be required by or under any enactment. (5) Without prejudice to the powers to cancel or modify an enforcement notice under section 46 or 47, no failure on the part of the Fire Inspector to consult under subsection (4) makes an enforcement notice void. (6) (d) (e) Where an enforcement notice has been served under this section the Fire Inspector may withdraw the notice at any time before the end of the period specified in the notice; and if an appeal against the notice is not pending, the Fire Inspector may extend or further extend the period specified in the notice. Prohibition notice 33 (1) If the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector is satisfied whether pursuant to an inspection under this Part or otherwise that a contravention of any provision of this Act or the Regulations or the provisions of any law relating to fire safety and protection measures in premises is being committed of such a nature that use of the premises 20
21 involves or will involve a risk so serious to the safety of persons in or on the premises in the event of fire if such contravention is not remedied promptly; or that there are reasonable grounds for believing that premises are potentially dangerous premises, and that, until steps have been taken to reduce the risk to a reasonable level, the use of the premises ought to be prohibited or restricted, then he may issue to the person responsible for premises a notice in accordance with this section. (2) In addition to the methods of service of notices in section 51, a prohibition notice may be served by handing it to an apparently responsible person on the premises or by affixing it in a conspicuous location on the premises. (3) The matters relevant to the determination by the Chief Fire Officer or Fire Inspector for the purposes of subsection (1) of the risk to the safety of persons (defined in section 34(2)) on the premises include anything affecting their escape from the premises in the event of fire. (4) A prohibition notice shall state that the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector is of an opinion referred to in subsection (1); specify the matters which in his opinion give or, as the case may be, will give rise to that risk or belief; and direct that the use of the premises to which the prohibition notice relates is prohibited or restricted to such extent as may be specified in the notice until the specified matters have been remedied. (5) A prohibition notice may include directions as to the measures which will have to be taken to remedy the matters specified in the notice and any such measures may be framed so as to afford the person on whom the notice is served a choice between different ways of remedying the matters. (6) A prohibition or restriction contained in a prohibition notice pursuant to subsection (4) takes effect immediately at the time it is served if the Chief Fire Officer or a Fire Inspector is of the opinion, and so states in the prohibition notice, that the risk of serious personal injury is or, as the case may be, will be imminent; and in any other case takes effect at the end of the period specified in the prohibition notice. (7) Before serving a prohibition notice which would oblige a person to make an alteration to premises, the Fire Inspector shall, if it is reasonably practicable to do so, consult as appropriate the relevant licensing authority and any other person whose consent to the alteration would be required by or under any enactment. 21
22 (8) For the purposes of this section, the Chief Fire Officer or Fire Inspector may call to his assistance such police officers as he may think necessary due to the nature of the risk and in the interest of safety of persons in or about the premises in the event of fire. Definition of potentially dangerous premises and apparently responsible person 34 (1) In section 33, "potentially dangerous premises" means any premises which would, in the event of fire occurring therein, constitute a serious danger to life for any of the following reasons (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) the fact that large numbers of persons habitually resort thereto or are accommodated therein; the absence of any, or any adequate, appliances or fittings (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) for extinguishing fires occurring in the building; for enabling the occupants to escape on the occurrence of fire; for the automatic detection of an outbreak of fire; for giving warning to persons in the event of fire; for securing that the means of escape can be safely and effectively used at all times; or for emergency lighting; the flammable nature of the materials with which the building is made; the flammable nature of the furniture, furnishings and fittings in the building; the absence of adequate means of escape from the premises; the absence of any, or any adequate, notices as to the procedure which should be followed in the event of fire; the flammable, explosive or potentially explosive nature of anything used, stored or deposited within the building; the fact that fire therein would be likely to spread rapidly within the building or to other premises; the fact that any power supply or lighting system with which the building is provided is defective, inadequate or inadequately maintained; the fact that any heating or ventilating system with which the building is provided is defective or inadequately maintained or presents a fire hazard; or any similar reason. (2) For the purposes of section 33(2), apparently responsible person shall include the person responsible for premises, a manager, a trustee, an architect, an agent, a contractor, a project manager or any other person appearing to the Chief Fire Officer or a 22
23 Fire Inspector to be in charge of, or have responsibilities in connection with, the use or occupation of the premises or works being carried out on the premises. Supplementary powers of enforcement 35 (1) A magistrate may by order prohibit or restrict, to the extent appropriate in the circumstances of the case, the use of premises until such steps have been taken as, in the opinion of the Court, are necessary to reduce the risk to a reasonable level, if he is satisfied on information on oath laid by a Fire Inspector that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting (d) (e) that there has been a contravention of any provision of this Act or the Regulations or of any provision of law relating to fire safety and protection and that the risk to persons in the event of fire is so serious that, until steps have been taken to reduce the risk to a reasonable level, the use of the premises ought to be prohibited or restricted; that the owner or occupier has failed to comply with an enforcement notice or a prohibition notice served on him under section 32 or 33 respectively; that if an enforcement notice were served on the owner or occupier under section 32 or a prohibition notice under section 33, it would not be complied with; the completeness of any information provided or documents produced by the person responsible for premises in response to such a notice; or that the premises are for the time being unoccupied and have been unoccupied for a period of more than 30 consecutive days and there is reason to believe that the premises may be a fire risk. (2) In this section, "contravention of any provision" shall be deemed to include a failure to observe the provisions of any law with respect to fire safety or protection. (3) A magistrate may issue a warrant under this section authorising any police officer not below the rank of inspector, together with any Fire Inspector named in the warrant to enter any premises which are specified in the warrant for the purpose of inspecting the premises in relation to compliance with fire safety standards or codes; and to exercise any of the powers conferred by this Act or the Regulations. Assistance to Fire Inspectors 36 The owner or occupier or the person in charge of premises entered by the Chief Fire Officer, a Fire Inspector or police officer under the provisions of this Part and any person found in the premises shall give him all reasonable assistance in his power to enable him to perform his duties and functions under this Act and the Regulations or any enactment; and 23
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