Briefings

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into effect in October 2006 and replaced over 70 pieces of fire safety law. The requirement for businesses to have fire certificates has been abolished and any previously held are no longer valid.

The Order applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including the common parts of blocks of flats or houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The law applies if you are:

• responsible for business premises
• an employer or self-employed with business premises
• responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes
• a charity or voluntary organisation
• a contractor with a degree of control over any premises

Under the Order, the responsible person (the employer or person in charge of the business) must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire management plan. The law emphasises preventing fires and reducing risk and makes it your responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone who uses your premises and in the immediate vicinity.

More detailed advice and guidance on the implementation of a fire risk management plan can be found on the Department for Communities and Local Government website (DCLG)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-small-and-medium-places-of-assembly