Fire Safety and Fire Risk Assessments

Fire Safety

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. The law applies to you if you are responsible for business premises, an employer or self-employed with business premises, a charity or voluntary organisation. 

Under the Order, the responsible person must take steps to: 
• Identify and control fire risks 
• Carry out a fire safety risk assessment 
•  Implement and maintain a fire management plan

Fire Risk Assessments

As the occupier of premises, you must undertake a fire risk assessment and, where appropriate, link the risk assessment into a wider assessment in respect of larger premises, which should be co-ordinated by the premises manager. A written record must be made if you employ five or more people, or a licence is in force for the premises, such as one for the sale of alcohol or providing entertainment. 

If requested, you must provide a copy of your fire risk assessment to the Council within five working days of any request. The Council will undertake fire risk assessments for common areas. 

Guidance and information regarding fire safety including how to undertake the fire risk assessment can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.