Russia: Increased administrative liability for breaches of fire safety requirements

As of 9 June 2017 organisations that do not duly comply, for the second time, with directions issued by fire safety inspectors may be subject to a suspension of their activity for a period not exceeding 90 days. Currently, this offence only results in a financial penalty.

The amendments increasing administrative liability for breaches of fire safety requirements was introduced by Federal Law No. 100-FZ of 28 May 2017 that amended Federal Law on Fire Safety and the Administrative Offences Code of the Russian Federation.

The amendments have also introduced the definition of “fire safety audit”.  “Fire safety audit” (also called “independent fire risk assessment”) is defined as an assessment of conformity with fire safety requirements and a check up of compliance by organisations and individuals of fire safety rules, performed by independent experts that are not biased by the results of the assessment.

The amendments impose administrative liability on experts performing fire safety audits for breaches of the procedure for the performance of such audits and/or for issuing a false report on a fire safety audit.

Fire safety audit procedure has not been adopted by the Federal Law No. 100-FZ.

Law: Federal Law No. 100-FZ of 28 May 2017 amending Federal Law on Fire Safety and the Administrative Offences Code of the Russian Federation