Fire Risk Assessment

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RR(FS)O) replaces most fire safety legislation with one order. It means that any person who has some level of control in premises must take steps to reduce the risk from fire, consider how to contain a fire should one break out, and then also make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.

These fire safety rules affecting all non-domestic premises in England and Wales came into force on 1st October 2006. In England and Wales. Under the Order, anyone who has control of premises or anyone who has a degree of control over certain areas or systems may be a Responsible Person. For example, it could be:

• An employer
• Self-employed with business premises
• A managing agent or owner of shared premises
• A charity or voluntary organisation
• A contractor with a degree of control over any premises

The Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space. For example, it applies to:

• Offices and shops
• Factories and warehouses
• Sleeping accommodation
• Residential care premises
• Educational premises
• Small, medium and large places of assembly (including community halls, places of worship, pubs, clubs and restaurants)
• Theatres and cinemas
• Outdoor events
• Healthcare premises
• Transport premises and facilities

The Responsible Person is responsible for the safety of the employees and relevant persons by effectively managing:

• Fire risk assessments
• Fire safety policy
• Fire procedures
• Fire drills
• Means of escape
• Emergency lighting
• Fire alarms and extinguishers
• Fire doors and compartments
• Fire evacuations
• Signs and notices

The Responsible Person must keep records on risk assessments, the current fire safety policy, procedures, training and drills. The routine maintenance of all fire alarm systems and emergency lighting and extinguishers must also be recorded.