Understanding and complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary legal framework governing fire safety for commercial premises and the communal parts of domestic premises in England and Wales. It replaced over 70 pieces of existing fire safety legislation and places a clear duty of responsibility on the "responsible person" for each premises.
Important: Where serious fire safety breaches are evident, firms or individuals can face a criminal investigation and potential prosecution in the criminal courts, with large fines and severe reputation damage not being uncommon.
As a responsible person under the Fire Safety Order, you are legally obligated to establish and maintain:
Fire and Rescue Authorities have extensive enforcement capabilities under the Order. They are empowered to:
Right of Appeal: Property owners and responsible persons have twenty-one days to appeal against notices issued by the Fire Authority. ASET can assist you throughout this process.
Failure to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is a serious matter. The consequences can include:
