The above legislation requires all employers to:

• Consider the Health, Safety and Welfare of themselves, their employees and others with regard to fire
• Carry out meaningful fire risk assessments of the premises
• Provide adequate emergency routes and exits
• Develop emergency action plans
• Provide adequate fire fighting equipment
• Provide, test and maintain adequate fire safety equipment
• Provide adequate fire safety information and training
• Maintain written records (where 5 or more are employed)
• Make provision for review and revision of fire safety arrangements

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005  

The above legislation requires ‘Responsible Persons’ to:

• Consider the Health, Safety and Welfare of themselves, their employees and other with regard to fire
• Carry our meaningful risk assessments of the premises
• Provide adequate emergency routes and exits
• Develop emergency action plans
• Provide adequate fire fighting equipment
• Provide, test and maintain adequate fire safety equipment
• Provide adequate fire safety information and training
• Maintain written records (where 5 or more are employed)
• Make provision for review and revision of fire safety arrangements

Where does the order apply?  

The order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space, such as:  

• Offices and shops
• Premises that provide care, including homes and hospitals
• Community halls, places of worship and other community premises
• The shared areas of properties in which several households live (housing laws may also apply)
• Pubs, clubs and restaurants
• Schools and sports centres
• Hotels and hostels
• Factories and warehouses

Why do anything?

It is a legal requirement to look after your employees: 

• Reduced accidents mean less time lost through days off injured or sick
• Serious accidents may mean closure of part or all of your business pending investigation
• Civil action, subsequent cost and/or awards of compensation
• Bad publicity and loss of business
   

Moral Duty of Care 

• Duty of care towards employees and others
• Safe and healthy working environment
• Increased morale and loyalty of your staff