An important road show will tour West Sussex next month to help businesses make sure they don't get their fingers burnt by 'the biggest shake up in fire laws for 35 years'.

The road show is being staged by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, which comes into effect from October 1 , covers almost every type of building, structure and open space except for private homes and individual flats, although communal areas will still be affected.

Martin Burrell , County Fire Officer, said: "It is important for people to understand how the new laws will affect them, particularly small businesses.

"Employers, self-employed people with premises, voluntary organisations, people responsible for buildings with public access and any contractor who exercises control over any premises will have a duty to ensure the safety of everyone who uses their premises. They will also have to ensure the safety of those in the immediate vicinity who may be at risk if there is a fire.

"However, if businesses meet their obligations under the current law, the new regime should not cost them anything more. But we would encourage businesses to attend our road show for more information.

"Anyone responsible for premises must carry out a written fire safety risk assessment. The Fire and Rescue Service will then carry out inspections. Failure to comply could lead to enforced action or even prosecution."

Lionel Barnard , County Council Cabinet Member for Public Safety, said: "By organising this road show our Fire and Rescue Service is offering the business community of West Sussex a valuable facility because this is the biggest shake up in fire laws for 35 years.

"It will give businesses big and small the opportunity to learn from the experts how they can ensure they are complying with these new laws."

The road show will be at:

Adur:

• Lancing Fire Station (September 5).

Arun:

• Bognor Regis - Durban Rd Industrial Estate (September 6).
• Littlehampton - Riverside Industrial Estate in the morning and Lineside Industrial Estate in the afternoon (September 7).

Chichester:

• Cathedral Green (September 8 and 11).

Crawley:

• Sterling Park in the morning and Manor Park in the afternoon (September 19)
• Crawley - Denvale Trading Park in the morning and Stephenson Way in the afternoon (September 20).

Horsham:

• Horsham – Carfax in the morning and Blatchford Road in the afternoon (September 14).
• Billingshurst – Gillmans Industrial Estate (September 15 in the afternoon).
• Storrington – Water Lane Industrial Estate (September 15 in the morning).

Mid Sussex:

• Burgess Hill Fire Station (September 12).
• Haywards Heath Fire Station (September 13 - morning).
• East Grinstead Fire Station (September 13 afternoon).

Worthing:

• South Street Square, Worthing (September 4).

For any more information call West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service on or visit www.firesafetylaw.communities.gov.uk