Fire Risk Assessments

The Law

In October 2006 the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force in England and Wales. The ‘Fire Safety Order’ replaces over 70 pieces of fire safety law.

The duties of the responsible person

The new law places a duty of fire safety care on a ‘responsible person’ within the organisation to ensure the safety of all ‘relevant persons’. This includes the provision of General Fire Precautions, such as means of escape, fire safety signs, emergency lighting, fire detection and alarm systems, fire extinguisher equipment and staff training.

The risk assessment

The appropriate fire precautions can be determined by a comprehensive fire risk assessment. A risk assessment must take into consideration the effect a fire may have on anyone in or around your building.