The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into effect in October 2006 and replaced over 70 pieces of fire safety law.
The Order applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including offices, shops, premises that provide care such as care homes and hospitals, community halls, places of worship, pubs/clubs/restaurants, schools, sports centres, hotels, hostels, factories, warehouses and the common parts of blocks of flats or houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
The responsible person
The law applies to you if you are:
- Responsible for business premises.
- An employer or self-employed with business premises.
- responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes.
- A charity or voluntary organisation.
- A contractor with a degree of control over any premises.
You are known as the ‘responsible person’. If there is more than one responsible person, you have to work together to meet your responsibilities.
The Fire Safety Order also applies if you have paying guests, for example if you run a bed and breakfast, guesthouse or let a self-catering property.
Responsibilities
- Regularly carry out a fire risk assessment of the premises.
- Tell staff or their representatives about the risks you have identified.
- Put in place appropriate fire safety measures and maintain.
- Plan for an emergency.
Provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training
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