The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the main piece of fire protection legislation that significantly changed fire safety law and practice in recent years.

 

It places the onus of responsibility squarely on the responsible person.  This may be an employer, landlord or any person who has to any extent control over the building.

 

This new fire legislation also includes those who are self-employed. With this new fire legislation in place, there is now a greater emphasis on fire protection.

Responsibility for complying with the new fire safety legislation rest with the “responsible person”.

 

For a workplace, this will be the employer or any other person who may have control of any part of the workplace. For example, the owner or occupier.

 

Under the new fire legislation, the responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment. The employer must also take reasonable steps to remove or reduce fire risks.