BFRS Reminds Of New Fire Safety Regulations

The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service [BFRS] is reminding the public to follow fire safety regulations which came into effect on January 1, 2018.

A spokesperson said, “The public should be aware that the Fire Safety Act 2014 was created to consolidate all references to Fire and Life Safety within other department’s legislations under one Act and under the remit of the Chief Fire Officer.

“The Act gives the BF&RS authority to require fire safety standards and enforcement powers for proposed and existing buildings that are not under the remit of the Bermuda Residential Building Code 2014 for the life cycle of the building; concept to demolition.

Who is affected by the Fire Safety Act 2014?

• All properties that fall outside of the Residential Building Code 2014 “Residential dwellings not exceeding 5,000 square feet in area on any floor level and not exceeding two storeys or 24 feet in height.”
• Licensed Premises that currently are inspected annually by the BF&RS:
  • Residential Care Homes
  • Tourist Accommodations
  • Nursery Schools
• Building Owners
• Business Owners

Community stakeholders who should take particular note of the new regulations and commencement date includes:

• Design Professionals – Architects, Engineers, Interior Designers, Draftsmen
• The Construction Industry
• Department of Building Control / Department of Planning
• Liquor License Control Board
• Bermuda Tourism Authority
• Department of Health
• Department of Ageing and Disability Services
• Department of Public Lands and Buildings
• Transport Control Department
• Corporation of Hamilton / Corporation of St. George
• Bermuda Chamber of Commerce
• Insurance Companies

Fees associated with the new legislation:

• 1. Applying for a fire certificate under Section 10 of the Fire Safety Act 2014
  • Class A Building less than 1000 square feet – $250
  • Class B Building more than 1000 but less than 10,000 square fee – $600
  • Class C Building more than 10,000 square feet – $900
• 2. Issuing a fire certificate under section 13 – $175
• 3. Renewing a fire certificate under section 16 – $150
• 4. Transfer of a certificate under section 17 – $100

“More information regarding the change in the fire safety regulations can be obtained by calling the BF&RS’ Fire Protection Division at 292-5555 or email fireprotection@gov.bm.”

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