Fire Safety
Fire Safety and Risk Assessment
Legislation
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force in October 2006, introducing significant change to workplace fire safety responsibilities.
The order simplified the legislative regime by consolidating all fire safety legislation and mandated employers, building owners, and occupiers as ‘responsible persons’ to carry out, implement and maintain a fire safety risk Assessment.
Fire Safety
Fire safety involves taking precautions to prevent or reduce the likelihood of fires that can cause death or serious injury. Each year, people die or are seriously injured due to workplace fires. Besides the tragic loss of life, fires cost UK businesses millions of pounds in property damage, loss of business, and fines.
Many fires can be avoided with proper fire precautions. If a fire does break out, its effects can be minimized through effective controls and procedures. Fire safety legislation applies to all buildings accessible to the public, allowing businesses to manage their fire risks based on fire risk assessment findings.
Fire Hazards
Threats to fire safety, known as fire hazards, include situations that increase the likelihood of a fire starting or impede escape during a fire.
Responsibility for Fire Safety
The employer, owner, or occupier of the premises is responsible for fire safety, known in law as the ‘responsible person.’ This person must:
- Conduct a risk assessment of the premises.
- Implement and maintain adequate fire safety measures to minimize the risk to life.
- Manage any fire risk on the premises by keeping the fire risk assessment up to date and reviewing it regularly.
Fire Risk Assessment
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must:
- Carry out a fire safety risk assessment.
- Identify significant findings.
- Provide and maintain necessary fire precautions to safeguard workplace users.
- Provide information, instruction, and training to employees about fire precautions.
- Implement and maintain a fire management plan.
The ‘responsible person’ must manage any fire risk on your premises by carrying out and maintaining an up-to-date fire risk assessment and be reviewed regularly so as to keep it up to date.
For practical advice or information after completing a fire risk assessment, your local Fire and Rescue Authority may be able to assist. Alternatively, you may prefer to hire a fire safety specialist.
Our fire risk assessments and other fire safety services are conducted and/or authorized by qualified professionals, ensuring compliance with codes and maximizing occupancy while minimizing risk.
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