As part of the Government’s commitment to reduce death, injury and damage caused by fire, the Department for Communities and Local Government has reviewed current fire safety law and is making a number of changes through the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO). After lengthy consultation the draft Order finally received parliamentary approval on 7^th June 2005, and came into force on 1^st October 2006.

The three main objectives of the Order are:

• To simplify, rationalise and consolidate the existing fire safety legislation into one set of regulations, thereby reducing the burden on business and the overlap of enforcing authorities.
• To align fire safety legislation with health & safety law and reduce prescriptive requirements.
• To firmly put the onus for fire safety for people on the ‘Responsible Person’ (owner / occupier / employer / landlord) as a result of the significant findings in the ‘Fire Risk Assessment’ which the
• Responsible Person has a legal duty to carry out.

Fire Risk Assessments are at the heart of this legislation being required in writing where 5 or more people are employed, the premises are licensed or the Inspector – a person appointed by the Enforcing Authority (usually a Fire Officer from the local Fire and Rescue Service) – requires it. Whilst there is no set format for how a risk assessment should be laid out, guidance and sample layouts are available through local fire authorities, the DCLG and the Fire Protection Association.

Landlord Insurance providers have made complying with this Order a condition for any fire related claim. The Order itself not only protects a landlords investment by bringing proper diligence and safety into law, it protects landlord insurance companies from unnecessary claims brought about by neglect.

Responsible Person

The main responsibility for implementing and complying with the Order lies with the landlord. Where there is more than one Responsible Person in any type of premises, they must take all reasonable steps to co-operate and work with each other.

The Responsible Person must:-

• Assess the risks of fire.
• Consider who may be especially at risk
• Take steps to reduce or remove the risks.
• Satisfy specific requirements; e.g. the provision of – an adequate means of escape, appropriate signs and notices, emergency lighting on escape routes, appropriate fire fighting and detection equipment.
• Take steps to ensure that any plant or substance in or on the premises is safe.
• Carry out effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of fire safety arrangements.
• Provide information to all occupants (not just employees) and visitors relating to identified risks, preventative measures, and the identity of the person responsible for fire safety.
• Co-operate and co-ordinate with other persons sharing the premises.
• Provide adequate fire safety training if relevant
• Appoint one or more ‘Competent Persons’ to help comply with the conditions of the Fire Safety Order