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Since the Roman Armies invaded this Country “Fire Precautions” have been an integral part of British society. The Romans worked with tremendous foresight to ensure they could gain control over any outbreak of fire by appointing Fire Watchers called “Vigilantes”. These Vigilantes were charged with controlling any outbreak of fire as early and as quickly as possible.
One of the most famous attempts at legislative fire prevention was by William The Conqueror in 1066. Because dwellings were built so close together, and of highly flammable materials, he insisted that all fires and lights would be extinguished at night using a metal cover or “Couvre Feu”. We still use the word Curfew today.
In 1212 a terrible fire in London killed more than 3,000 people. King John was quick to issue new Construction Ordinance forbidding the building of thatched roofs, as they were so often the reason fire spread so quickly.
In 1425 Henry VI introduced severe penalties for anyone caught starting a fire.
Most famously of all, The Great Fire of London in 1666 devastated the city and destroyed most of the buildings. In 1667 Charles 11 issued an Act for the rebuilding of our beautiful Capital City which led to “The Control of Building Methods” and “The Control of Use of Buildings”.
The disastrous fire at Henderson’s department Store in Liverpool in 1960 led to “The Offices, Shops, and Railway Premises Act 1963”
The Eastwood Mills fire in Keighly led to “The Revised Factories Act 1961” and made the Fire Brigade responsible for the means of escape.
The Rose and Crown Hotel fire in Saffron Waldon led to “The Fire Precautions Act 1971”. Now, for the first time, Hotels and Boarding House had to have a Fire Certificate or face closure.
It is a sad fact of life that for over a century, compulsory Fire Safety measures have only been introduced after a fire disaster where there has been a substantial loss of life.
All the Legislation was building towards a system requiring employers to ensure that Fire Safety measures were sufficient to maintain the safety of everybody working, visiting, passing by, or sharing access to their premises. A Fire Officer would inspect the premises and, if necessary, issue a notice under the 1971 Act. The Owner or Occupier would then have to comply or face the consequences in Law..
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