Legislation governing the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service and fire safety is to be updated.
Following a six-week public consultation, two Bills – the Fire Services Bill and the Fire Safety Bill – are now being drawn up.
Comments from the public to the consultation have been considered as part of the drafting process.
Fire Regs
The Fire Services Bill is being designed to support benchmarking of the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service against services in neighbouring jurisdictions, while accepting the challenges faced by a small island.
A keystone of the Bill will be flexibility, so the legislation can be changed to meet the evolving needs of society, such as changes in population, the built environment and technological advancements, for example.
The Bill will also underline the principle of the continuation of free services at the point of need, while reserving the right to charge for certain services for some unnecessary or avoidable callouts.
Updates
The Fire Safety Bill will centre on a risk-based approach to fire prevention legislation.
A risk-based approach to fire is a methodology that focuses on understanding and managing the actual likelihood and potential consequences of a fire, rather than just adhering to prescriptive rules.
The Bill will also set out clear lines of responsibility for property owners and occupiers and is designed to be flexible to meet changing risks.
Modernising Framework
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jane Poole-Wilson MHK said: “I’d like to thank all the people who contributed to the consultation.
“Feedback was received from varying sources and the responses provided a helpful overview of public opinion on fire and rescue services and fire safety generally.
“Modernising the legal framework under which the Fire and Rescue Service work is vital. The Fire Services Act 1984 and Fire Precautions Act 1975, which govern the service, no longer fully reflect the duties required of the service.
“The Department of Home Affairs’ priorities include working with others to ensure that we support and enable community safety, and we reduce the harms that impact our communities and economy. The Fire and Rescue Service is critical in achieving those aims and we are committed to ensuring we have modern legislation that underpins the critical work undertaken by our colleagues 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
A comprehensive Summary of Responses has been published on the consultation hub here.
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