Every year, people die or are seriously injured as a result of a fire at home or in the workplace. Fire can cost businesses vast sums of money, sometimes causing them to close permanently. It is vital for businesses to ensure that their premises meet fire safety regulations, while ensuring all employees and visitors know what action to take in the event of fire or emergency.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), which came into effect in October 2006, requires the responsible person (employer, occupier or owner) to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and ensure safe escape for both employees and visitors. The FSO applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including the common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupations. The law applies to you if you are:

• responsible for business premises
• an employer or self-employed with business premises
• responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes
• a charity or voluntary organisation
• a contractor with a degree of control over any premises
• providing accommodation for paying guests

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order requires the responsible person to:

• Ensure all employees are provided with adequate safety training at the time they are first employed and on being exposed to new and increased risks.
• Appoint one or more ‘competent persons’ to assist with fire safety in the workplace, and provide them with sufficient training to remain effective in reducing the risks from fire hazards.

Under the FSO, the responsible person must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire management plan.