The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (SI 2005 No. 1541) sees the end of fire certificates and the introduction of a single system based on the need for all managing agents, business owners and employers to conduct fire risk assessments for their premises.

The Order broadly applies to the majority of non-domestic premises and workplaces in the UK; indeed it extends the range of premises to which it applies e.g. houses in multiple occupation, the self-employed, voluntary organisations.

The Order 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. The responsible person is:

a.    In relation to a workplace – the employer where the workplace is to any extent under his control.
b.    The person who has control of the premises (as     occupier or otherwise) in connection with him carrying on a trade, business or other business undertaking.
c.    The owner where the person carrying on the business does not have any control over the premises.

The requirement of the Order is in fact imposed on any person who has, to any extent, control of premises so far as the requirements relate to matters within his control. 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 managing agent, business owner or responsible person?

The Order, under Article 18 requires the appointment of one or more competent persons to assist in undertaking and protective measures.
    
Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment.  This is not the same possessing a fire certificate. The responsible person must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed for the purpose of identifying the general fire precautions he needs to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on him by or under the Order.

Provide Fire Fighting and Fire Detection Equipment (Article 13)

The responsible person must ensure that the premises are equipped with appropriate fire fighting equipment and with fire detection and alarms. Any non-automatic fire fighting equipment so provided must be easily accessible, simple to use and indicated by signs. The actions of the responsible person may include:

1.    Deciding and providing portable fire fighting equipment appropriate for each premise; and comply with British Standards.
2.    Deciding on what type of fire detector is suitable for the premises.
3.    Before installing a fire detection system, the responsible person is advised to discuss their requirements with a reputable fire protection company and advise the local fire authority.
4.    An appropriate fire detection system and alarm system must be in place.
5.    One must take measures to reduce the risk of fires spreading including appropriate use of fire resistant walls, checking doors are kept in good order and ensuring fire doors have appropriate seals and closing devices.

The fire risk assessment should provide guidance to enable each of the above provisions to be catered for.

Maintenance and Testing of Fire Fighting/Detection Equipment

Provision of an adequate means of escape

Emergency exit routes must be kept clear of all times. The responsible person has the over-riding duty. People must be able to evacuate the building to a place of safety quickly and safely. Emergency routes and exits must be adequate for the needs of the building and its use (Article 14). Emergency doors must open in the direction of travel. Emergency routes must be indicates by signs and emergency lights must be provided where illumination is necessary. This is an important part of your plan. Consideration should include:

1.    Ensure escape routes are kept clear and fire escapes remain unobstructed. Do not use escape routes for storage.
2.    Ensure sufficient arrangements are made for disabled persons.
3.    Install emergency lighting.
4.    Ensure all escape routes are clearly signed. 

Staff Training

Employees must be provided with adequate fire safety training when they are first employed and when exposed to new or increased risks (Article 21). Training must cover the hazards, risks and controls in place to manage fire safety and be repeated periodically as appropriate.

Where two or more responsible persons/employers share or have duties in respect of the premises, each must co-operate with each other to ensure fire safety including co-ordinating working practices, controls and other fire safety procedures (Article 22). Each employer must inform the other of fire safety matters which might affect the safety the other employees.


The following records should be maintained:

1.    The record of fire risk assessments.
2.    Records of the fire fighting arrangements to control fire risk.
3.    Details of the local fire authority contact.
4.    Ensure adequate training and information has been provided to all employees on evacuation.

Procedures for serious or imminent danger

And finally……