A Guide To Fire Safety Responsibilities

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places legal duties on the “responsible person” for any non‑domestic premises. This person is legally accountable for ensuring fire safety is properly managed.

Who Is the Responsible Person?

The responsible person is typically one of the following:

• Landlord
• Tenant
• Managing agent

Your lease, contract, or management agreement will usually specify this. Always check these documents carefully.

What the Law Requires

The responsible person must take “general fire precautions” to ensure:

• The safety of employees, and
• The safety of anyone else on the premises (visitors, contractors, customers, residents, etc.)

This includes doing whatever is reasonably practicable to keep people safe from fire.

Fire Risk Assessment (Your Core Duty)

Every responsible person must:

• Carry out a fire risk assessment of the entire premises
• Review it regularly
• Keep a written record if the business has 5 or more people

This assessment is the foundation of all fire safety planning.

The Government’s 5‑Step Fire Risk Assessment Plan

1. Identify fire hazards – Look for anything that can start a fire, burn, or increase fire spread.
2. Identify people at risk – Consider employees, visitors, contractors, and vulnerable individuals.
3. Evaluate, remove or reduce risks – Assess how likely a fire is and take steps to eliminate or minimise dangers.
4. Record findings and train staff – Document hazards, actions taken, create an emergency plan, and provide training.
5. Review and update regularly – Revisit your assessment periodically or after any significant change to the premises.

What Your Assessment Must Cover

Your fire risk assessment should address:

• Emergency routes and exits
• Fire detection and warning systems
• Firefighting equipment
• Storage/removal of dangerous substances
• Emergency evacuation plan
• Needs of vulnerable people
• Information for employees and visitors
• Staff fire safety training

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)