Devon Somerset Dorset Fire Risk Assessments
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Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

What is it?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is a statutory requirement that places the responsibility on the 'responsible person' to carry out fire risk assessments on certain types of premises and submit them to their local fire authority. Also known as the "Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 1541 The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005", it came into force from October 2006 in England and Wales. For further information on the "The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005" please refer to The Office of Public Sector Information.

So what does a fire risk assessment cover?

The fire risk assessment and emergency plan are designed to help your business pinpoint each aspect of your business that needs actioning and helps your employees cope.
The Regulatory Reform Order covers general fire safety precautions and other fire safety duties, which are needed to protect people. The Regulatory Reform Order requires fire precautions to be put in place 'where necessary' and to the extent that it is reasonable and practical in the circumstances of the case. It will cover all aspects of your premises and identify what and where potential risks to you and your employees are. Allowing the emergency plan to be drawn up so if a fire were to break out you would be aware of what each persons responsibilities are and how you would evacuate all persons involved safely and calmly.

Who is the 'responsible person'

Responsibility for complying with the Regulatory Reform Order rests with the 'responsible person'. The responsible person is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, i.e. the occupier or owner. In all other premises the people or person who are in control of the premises is responsible.

What must be done by the 'responsible person'

The responsible person must carry out the risk assessment, which must focus on the safety of all relevant persons in case of fire. Special attention must be paid to those who are at special risk, such as disabled people, those who you know have a special need and children. Your fire risk assessment will help you identify risks that can be removed or reduced.

In addition to the risk assessment by order of the RRO you must:

Appoint a competent person to carry out any of the protective and preventive measures required by the order. This competent person can be the responsible person. A competent person is someone with enough training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to be able to implement these measures properly.
Provide employees and non-employers with information on the risks to them on business premises identified by the risk assessment.
Nominate persons to carry out particular roles in connection with fire safety.
Co-operate and co-ordinate with other responsible persons who also have premises in the building.
Provide the employer of any other person from an outside organisation who may be working in your premises relevant information on the risks to those persons and the preventative measures taken.
Consider the presence of any dangerous substances and the risks that this presents to relevant persons from fire.

Establish a suitable means of contacting the emergency services and provide them with any relevant information about dangerous substances.
Provide information, instructions and training to your employees about the fire precautions in your workplace.
Ensure that the premises and any equipment provided in connection with fire fighting, fire detection and warning or emergency routes and exits are maintained.
Regularly review and amend your fire risk assessment and emergency plans as necessary.

What happens if I don't act on the RRO?

If you choose to ignore the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, you are liable for a fine and/or imprisonment. To reduce the chances of this contact Devon Somerset Dorset Fire Risk Assessments today to arrange your fire risk assessment.