Do I need to have a fire risk assessment?
Since the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, commercial premises owners have had a legal responsibility to provide:
a) Fire safety training for all staff
b) A recorded fire risk assessment
Failure to comply with this legislation could ultimately result in prosecution.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is a statutory instrument applicable in England and Wales. The Order places the responsibility on individuals within an organisation to carry out risk assessments to identify, manage and reduce the risk of fire. The Order was made into law on 7th June 2005 and came into force on 1st October 2006.
Guidance for businesses is available in the form of 16 government-published documents, with general guidance, A 5-Step Checklist and 12 documents pertaining specifically to a particular type of business premises. On 5 January 2016, responsibility for fire and rescue policy transferred from the Department for Communities and Local Government to the Home Office, who then became responsible for the guidance. The guidance does not normally apply to single dwelling domestic premises.
