The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Often referred to simply as the "Fire Safety Order," is a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that governs fire safety regulations for non-domestic premises and common areas of multi-occupancy residential properties.
The Fire Safety Order is designed to ensure the safety of people in non-domestic premises and to reduce the risk of fires. It places a strong emphasis on proactive fire risk assessment and management, making it a critical component of fire safety regulation in the UK. It's important for businesses and property owners to be aware of and comply with the requirements of this legislation to ensure the safety of occupants and to meet legal obligations.
Scope: The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all non-domestic premises, including offices, shops, factories, warehouses, schools, hospitals, hotels, HMO’s, Airbnb and many more. It also covers shared areas in residential properties, such as stairwells and corridors in apartment buildings.
Responsibilities: The Order places significant responsibilities on the "responsible person" for the premises. This person is typically the property owner, occupier, or employer and is tasked with ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
Fire Risk Assessment: One of the central requirements of the Fire Safety Order is the obligation to conduct a fire risk assessment. The responsible person must identify potential fire hazards, assess the risks they pose and put measures in place to mitigate those risks.
Preventative Measures: The Order outlines various fire safety measures that must be implemented, including the installation and maintenance of fire detection and warning systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and fire doors.
Emergency Plans and Training: Responsible persons must also develop and maintain emergency evacuation plans and provide fire safety training to employees and relevant personnel.
Enforcement: Local Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) are responsible for enforcing the Fire Safety Order. They have the authority to inspect premises, issue enforcement notices and take legal action in cases of non-compliance.
Penalties: Non-compliance with the Fire Safety Order can result in serious penalties, including fines and, in some cases, imprisonment.
Periodic Review: The responsible person is required to regularly review and update the fire risk assessment to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.