Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new regulations?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) was approved by Parliament on 7 June 2005 and came into force on 1 October 2006. It applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.
Who does this apply to?
The RRO applies in England and Wales to employers and virtually all those responsible for non-domestic premises including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their home. If your business has five or more employees, you are required to have a written Fire Safety Risk Assessment carried out.
What is a fire safety risk assessment?
A Fire Safety Risk Assessment must focus on the safety in case of fire of all "relevant persons". It should pay particular attention to those at special risk, such as the disabled and those with special needs, and must include consideration of any dangerous substance likely to be on the premises. Your Fire Safety Risk Assessment will help you identify risks that can be removed or reduced and to decide the nature and extent of the general fire precautions you need to take to protect people against the fire risks that remain
Do I still need a fire certificate?
No - fire certificates have now been abolished and no longer have legal status. However a recent fire certificate would be a good starting point for your Fire Risk Assessment.
Who is responsible for the Fire Safety Risk Assessment?
Responsibility for complying with the Fire Safety Order rests with the "responsible person".
Who is the "responsible person"?
In a workplace, this is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, e.g. the occupier or owner. In all other premises the person who is in control of the premises will be responsible. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises, all must take all reasonable steps to work with each other.
Do I have to do the Assessment myself?
No, you can appoint an external third party such as fire-lec as your competent person to provide fire safety services.
How does a third party such as fire-lec work?
fire-lec will work with your responsible person to take over all necessary steps in your fire precaution strategy to ensure your company fulfills all the new requirements.
Will my fire precautions have to be improved?
If you are already fully complying with existing legislation, then it should be fairly simple. If you have not kept your fire precautions up to date there may be some additional areas to look at.
Will the Fire and Rescue Service inspect my premises?
Probably. Fire and Rescue Authorities are required under the RRO to inspect business premises within their local areas to ensure they comply with the Order and that adequate fire safety measures are in place.
What happens if the law changes?
The fire-lec service keeps you abreast of any change in legislation.
If you are interested in fire-lec managing your Fire Safety Risk Assessment, please complete our Risk Assessment enquiry form. Alternatively if you are interested in becoming a fire-lec Assessor, register your interest today.
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