In October 2006 legislation came to force throughout mainland Britain which rationalised the framework for fire legislation and enforcement. Through self-regulation the obligation to provide a fire safe environment in all but domestic dwellings now rests with the owner, occupier or landlord.

England / Wales - Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Fire Safety Act of 2021.

This legislation now consolidates and replaces the burden of prescriptive and overlapping enforcement authorities with a considered approach to fire safety requirements.

Various guides have now bben roduced to assist those with the statutory duties in relation to the above legislation. However, the fire safety measures are only required to demostrate that they meet the requirements of an objective risk assessment and provide a suitable level of fire safety.

This duty should be carried out by a "competent person" or externally by a competent Fire Risk Assessor.

If you employ five or more people or have five or more people on your premises you require a record of your Fire Risk Assessment.

Fire Risk Assessor's need to consider:

Life safety of employees, residents, contractors and visitors.

Property safety and business continuity.

Fire fighter safety should they need to enter the burning building.

Environment safety to neighbouring buildings and the general public.

Young works safety-emplyees and residents upto the age of 18 years.

Fire Risk Assessor's should therefore:

Identify fire hazards.

Identify people particulary at risk.

Evaluate and analise the risk and reduce or remove if possible.

Record, plan, instruct, inform and train at regular intervals.

Responsible Person:

In England & Wales reference is made to to "Resposible Person" who must provide a suitable and sufficient level of Fire Precautions based on the above criteria.

To this end the "Responsible Person" must make and give effect to such arrangements as are deemed appropriate to the size and nature ot the undertaking for:

Effective planning.

Organisation.

Control.

Monitoring.

Reviews.

Competent Persons:

If the " Responsible Person" does not have sufficient training or experiance or knowledge to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment they must appoint such a person to carry out this undertaking.

Enforcement:

In most cases the local Fire Authority will be the Enforcing Authority unless the premises are the responsibility of the HSE.

Authorised Inspectors may enter and inspect a presonableemises at any time to make enquiries, check documentation or carry out a specific task.

This may lead to the serving of a:

Enfircement Notice

Prohibition Notice

Alterations Notice.