TIME is running out for the county's businesses to make changes to their premises in order to meet new fire and safety regulations coming into force on October 1.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order is the biggest overhaul of fire safety legislation in decades and affects all non-domestic premises.

From October, there will be a greater emphasis on fire prevention and reducing risk in all business premises, including those in the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their homes.

Fire certificates will be abolished and will no longer have legal status.

Linda Bennett, Business Link’s information services and European information centre manager, said: "The new regulations will mean that the 'responsible person', for example the employer or owner of the building, will be tasked with ensuring the safety of everyone who uses the premises.

"Businesses should find out as much as possible about the new regulations while there is still time to make changes to their sites."

A series of guides has been produced giving details of how to comply with fire safety law, how to carry out a fire risk assessment and identifying the general fire precautions that should be in place.

Copies can be ordered or downloaded from the website below.