THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005
The Basics- Designed to provide a minimum fire safety standard in all non-domestic premises including parts of premises used for the purposes of an employer’s undertaking, which is made available to employees as a place of work, and used in connection with the carrying of a trade, business or other undertaking, for profit or not.
- In a workplace it designates the employer, if he/she has to some extent control, the Responsible Person (RP). If any other person has to some extent control then they could have duties under the order.
- If it is not a workplace then any person having control to some extent or the owner and can be designated the Responsible Person.
- Those persons or a person acting on their behalf, are required to carry out certain fire safety duties which include ensuring the general fire precautions are satisfactory and conducting a fire risk assessment.
If more than five persons are employed it has to be a written assessment.
DSC Limited can conduct a Fire Risk Assessment of your premises and provide information training and advice to you / your staff. We can also liaise with the enforcing authority (Your Fire & Rescue Service Authority) on your behalf should you be issued with an alterations, enforcement or prohibition notice.
For an informal chat or more information please contact us.
Where does the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 apply?
- Offices and shops
- Premises that provide care, including care homes and hospitals
- Community halls, places of worship and other community premises
- The shared areas of properties several households live in (housing laws may also apply)
- Pubs, clubs and restaurants
- Schools and sports centres
- Tents and marquees
- Hotels and hostels
- Factories and warehouses
What powers do Fire inspectors (The Fire & Rescue Service) have?
Powers of inspection:
- Enter and inspect any premises and anything in them. This may be done at any reasonable time, or if a situation may be dangerous, at any time.
- Require you to provide facilities, information, documents, records or assistance as reasonably requested.
- Inspect and copy any documents or records on the relevant premises, or remove them from the relevant premises.
- Carry out inspections, measurements and tests, to the premises or an article or substance found on the premises.
- Take samples from the premises to ascertain their fire resistance or flammability.
- Dismantle any article deemed dangerous in event of fire for inspection or testing.
What are the offences and penalties if you are not compliant with current fire law?
- It is a criminal offence not to comply with fire safety duties.
- Offences are subject to a penalty of a fine if taken through the minor court or
- On conviction on indictment, to an unlimited fine and/or a prison term for serious offences.