Fire Safety
Fire safety isn’t just common sense; it’s a legal obligation. In England and Wales, the framework for fire safety is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which places responsibility on individuals known as the Responsible Person to ensure premises are safe from fire risks.
Whether you’re a business owner, landlord, facilities manager, or part of a housing association, understanding your duties under this legislation is essential—not just for compliance, but for protecting lives.
What Does the Law Require?
The Fire Safety Order applies to all non-domestic premises, including:
- Offices and shops
- Factories and warehouses
- Schools and hospitals
- Communal areas of residential buildings with multiple occupants
The Responsible Person must:
- Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment
- Implement and maintain fire safety measures
- Ensure safe evacuation procedures
- Provide fire safety training to staff
Recent Updates: Fire Safety Act 2021 & Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, fire safety legislation has evolved to address gaps in building safety:
- The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarifies that fire risk assessments must include external walls, including cladding and balconies, and flat entrance doors in multi-occupied buildings.
- The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, effective from January 2023, introduced new duties for high-rise buildings (11m+ and 18m+), such as:
- Monthly checks on fire-fighting equipment
- Wayfinding signage for firefighters
- Secure information boxes with building plans and contact details
These changes aim to improve transparency, accountability, and resident safety.
What Should You Be Doing?
- If you’re a Responsible Person, here’s a quick checklist:
- Review and update your Fire Risk Assessment
- Ensure external walls and flat doors are included
- Document your fire safety arrangements
- Communicate fire safety measures to residents
- Keep records and contact details accessible to fire services
Need Help Navigating Fire Safety?
Fire safety can be complex, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Partnering with a qualified fire safety consultancy like Pollard Safety Services ensures your assessments are thorough, compliant, and tailored to your premises.
We offer:
- Professional Fire Risk Assessments
- Fire safety documentation and planning
- Staff training
- Ongoing compliance support
Contact Pollard Safety Services today to schedule your fire safety review.