Help with Fire Legislation
If you require help with understanding or complying with this legislation, please e-mail our helpline on services@firecoltd.comPurpose of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - RRFSO
The RRFSO, which came into force in 2006, replaces 118 pieces of legislation,
including the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace)
Regulations 1997 as amended 1999
Does this Fire Safety Order apply to me?
Yes, with the exception of self employed people with no employees who work from their own home all sectors of business, including the self employed and the voluntary sector, are covered by the new regime.
A Fire Risk Assessment must be carried out if you employ more than one person. The RRFSO states that where 5 or more persons are employed, or where a licence is in force - such as a members’ club for example, businesses are required to complete a written Fire Risk Assessment of their premises.
The RRFSO places the responsibility for fire safety on the ‘responsible’ person; at the same time it requires your Local Fire & Rescue Service, to make sure it is acted upon. It requires that the ‘responsible’ person (employers, owners and occupiers) carries out or appoints a competent person, who must have sufficient training experience and knowledge to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment.
What am I required to do?
You are required to carry out and document a Fire Risk Assessment of your
workplace. Part of this Fire Risk Assessment includes ensuring that workers can
escape safely in the event of a fire. This may include protecting corridors and
stairways with self-closing fire doors, which are often wedged open illegally.