According to a survey, the Government-funded initiative which saw 34 free events held across Scotland between January and March, left 96 per cent of the 388 participants confident enough to undertake their legal risk assessment duties.  

The workshop road show was set up to advise small businesses and organisations which had not formerly fallen within the scope of fire safety legislation but are now covered by new duties in the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 which require non-domestic premises to carry out risk assessments.

The £15,000 scheme was delivered by the Fire Protection Association (FPA). 

Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing said:

"No-one can afford to be complacent about fire safety and the ready availability of information and advice is key to the education of those with duties under fire safety legislation.

"I'm delighted that so many of Scotland's small businesses and volunteers have benefitted from the free workshops. With printed versions of the fire safety guides now distributed, businesses and volunteers across Scotland will have even easier access to information and advice.”

Steve Mckenzie, Chief Fire Officers' Association (Scotland), added:

"We wholeheartedly support efforts to raise fire safety awareness among small businesses and voluntary groups. So we were delighted to provide both logistical and technical support to this well-received roadshow of workshops and sector-specific guidance documents.”

Sue Tyley, FPA Associate Director, Training, said:

"I am delighted that the feedback from those attending the workshops has been so positive.

"This initiative has been an excellent example of a partnership working well and special mention should go to all stakeholders and umbrella organisations whose support and co-operation contributed to such a successful outcome."