Regulatory Reform Order The mpact on ASDA

1

• Regulatory Reform OrderThe mpact on ASDA

14th October 2003
Richard Rothery
2
Asda Stores

• ASDA has 264 Stores and has over 100,000
  colleagues.
• Size of stores range from 8000Sq/ft to
  100,000Sq/ft sales areas.
• All of our Stores have sprinkler systems.
• Most of our stores have Fire certificates.

3
Where are we today

• ASDA has an agreed Model fire strategy.

• All of ASDAs designers and Contractors are
  obligated to deliver the relevant criteria in our
  stores.
• Where necessary we employ an engineered solution.
  Usually via TENOS , WARRINGTON or WSP.

4
Current Risks

• Blocking or obstructing fire exits routes
• Propping open fire-resisting self-closing doors
• Adequate fire safety training
• Lack of appropriate fire safety records

5
RRO first impressions

• ASDAs existing work on work place regs risk
  assessments will provide a framework on which to
  move forward.
• ASDA is concerned that fire certificates are no
  longer required. As ASDA DOES like them.

6
Concerns

• Our current training regime.
• Right of appeal is not clear at this time.
• Potentially a moving target scenario.
• Back dated risk assessments unclear.
• Timescales.

7
Concerns

• Expertise within our business for accurate risk
  assessment.
• Modified fire retardant Polystyrene sandwich
  panels.
• Consistency of approach between authorities.
• Scotland?

8
Actions Construction

• Full risk assessment documents for the model
  fire Strategy.
• Architectural use of approved standard principles
  for ALL stores.
• Increase in requirements of ASDAs Building
  control consultants.

9
Actions Construction

• Early contact with local Fire Authorities for
  advice regarding bespoke construction.
• Retention of a consultant Fire Engineer.

10
Actions Retail Ops

• Employment of a competent individual to
  undertake and certify each store / Warehouse.
• This may be -
• Building control Body
• Internal recruitment / Specialist
• Home Authority approval
• Implementation of revised training procedures for
  our colleagues in store.

11
Conclusion

• We are concerned about timescales and potential
  costs.
• We will be actively reviewing our processes to
  take account of new order.
• We will be actively working with our home
  authority to ensure compliance.

12
The Future