Make sure you know what’s required of you

It was introduced to replace most fire safety legislation and fire regulations with one simple order. It means that any person who has some level of control in premises must take steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.

The order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space. For example, it applies to:

• Offices and shops
• Premises that provide care, including care homes and hospitals
• Community halls, places of worship and other community premises
• The shared areas of properties several households live in (housing laws may also apply)
• Pubs, clubs and restaurants
• Schools and sports centres
• Tents and marquees
• Hotels and hostels
• Factories and warehouses

It does not apply to – People’s private homes, including individual flats in a block or house

To carry out a fire risk assessment identifying any possible risks or dangers. Consider who may be especially at risk and eliminate or reduce risk as far as reasonably possible and provide general fire precautions for any risk left. Take other measures to make sure there is protection if flammable or explosive materials are used or stored. A plan must be created to deal with an emergency and this must be recorded and reviewed when necessary

Under the order, anyone who has control of premises or anyone who has a degree of control over certain areas or systems may be a ‘responsible person’.

For example, it could be:

1. 1/The employer for those parts of premises staff may go to
2. 2/The managing agent or owner for shared parts of premises or shared fire safety equipment such as fire-warning systems or sprinklers. The occupier, such as self-employed people or voluntary organisations if they have any control
3. 3/Any other person who has some control over a part of the premises.