The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 firmly places a responsibility on the Responsible Person and outlines all the measures that must be taken to ensure the safety of all the people he or she is directly or indirectly responsible for.

Enforcing Authorities are allowed to make sure that it is enacted (by force if necessary) and sets penalties if it is not. The person responsible must maintain a clear Means of Escape, Signs, Notices, Emergency Lighting, Fire Detection & Alarms and Extinguishers.

A Responsible Person is defined as the person who owns the premises or business or the person with control over the premises, business or activity. Where two or more responsible persons share responsibility, (e.g. tenant / landlord, multiple tenancy building or adjacent premises) the responsible persons must co-operate, share information and collaborate to provide measures

What actions do you need to take as a business owner / operator?
The Six Important Actions Every Business Owner Must Take To Comply With The Regulatory Reform
(Fire Safety) Order 2005...

1. Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment: This is not the same as a fire certificate. Every business owner and employer must:
A. Provide and maintain fire fighting equipment. The risk assessment must be
formally recorded if you employ five or more people.
B. Assess the fire risk in their workplace
C. Check that fires can be detected and people can be warned in enough time to leave the building safely
D. Check that there is safe means for leaving the building
E. Instruct your employees so they know what to do in the event of a fire.

2. Provide Fire Fighting Equipment
A. You may be required to provide portable fire extinguishers. deciding the most appropriate equipment for your premises.
B. Decide on what type of fire detector is suitable for your premises. Before installing a fire detection system, you are advised to discuss your requirements with a reputable Fire Security Company and advise the local fire authority.
C. An appropriate fire detection and alarm system must be in place.
D. You are advised to make sure your extinguishers comply with British Standards.
E. You must take measures to reduce the risk of fire spreading including appropriate use of fire resistant walls, checking doors are kept in good order and ensuring fire doors have appropriate seals and closing devises.

3. Maintain and Test your fire equipment: All equipment and fire fighting equipment must be regularly checked and maintained.
A. Check that all alarm systems are working and report and record any failures. The person who does the maintenance must be competent. You may need to provide evidence that they are.
B. Make sure all emergency lighting is working.
C. All escape routes are clear.
D. All fire escapes can be opened without delay.
E. All fire exit signs are in the correct position.

4. Ensure you provide an adequate means of escape:
A. Ensure there is a clear passage to all escape routes. Do not use escape routes for storage. Means of escape should be available at all times.
B. Consider arrangements for disabled persons.
C. Inform and train all employees in how to escape the building.
D. Install emergency lighting.
E. Identify all escape routes with appropriate signs.

5. Train your staff:
A. You must provide all employees with training so they know what to do in the event of a fire.
B. You should carry out a fire drill at least once a year.

6. Keep good records:
You should keep the following records:
A. Record of risk assessments for fire hazards
B. Records of the fire fighting arrangements in place to control the fire risk
C. Details of the contact at your local fire authority.

For expert advice and quotes contact Colin Smith

Tel 01823 412996

Fax 01823 412058  

E-mail: colinsmith@dsfire.co.uk