Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005

In 1997 the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations were introduced requiring business that did not need a fire certificate to conduct a fire risk assessment. This new act broadly bought UK legislation into line with much of Europe.

In December 1999 the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations were amended. The amendment broadened the scope of the legislation to include businesses that had a fire certificate.

To simplify the legislation it has been replaced with one common piece of regulation - The Regulatory Reform (Fire safety Order) 2005.

Fire Certificates are no longer in force and instead Fire Risk Assessment becomes the primary method to manage fire risk in the workplace. The new fire regulations identifies a ‘responsible person’ who as its name would suggest is required to ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is on site. Along with Fire Certificates being phased out the new fire legislation requires the responsible person to take account of the impact that a fire might have to surrounding premises and persons. This includes the safety of fire fighters should they need to enter the premises. A fire risk assessment is already required in line with the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1999. However, from October 1st the new fire regulations will be enforced more vigorously by the UK Fire & Rescue Service and as the government campaign suggests – “failure to have a valid fire risk assessment on site could lead to fines or imprisonment”

However, help is at hand to help you comply with the new fire regulations – click on the FireSmart solution link to find out just how quick and easy it can be.