The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Commenced 1 October 2006

The new Order simplifies, rationalises and consolidates existing fire safety legislation. It provides for a risk based approach to fire safety allowing more efficient and effective enforcement by the fire and rescue service. See the website for Communities and Local Government for further details.

At the core of the legislation lies the fire risk assessment. This is an organised appraisal of your work activities and the workplace to enable you to identify potential fire hazards, and to decide who (including employees and visitors) might be in danger in the event of fire, and their location. You will then evaluate the risks arising from the hazards and decide whether the existing fire precautions are adequate, or whether more needs to be done. To assist in this a guide entitled A Short Guide to Making your Premises Safe From Fire is available online from Communities and Local Government or at DCLG Publications, PO Box 236, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7NB.

For further assistance the Fire Protection Association (FPA) has provided a basic online Fire Risk Assessment Checklist suitable for use by small to medium sized business premises.

This new regime of free safety enforcement came into force on 1st October 2006 and affects employers and those who are responsible for, non-domestic, industrial, commercial and residential premises. Self-employed people and the voluntary sector will also be brought within this regime.