Your Fire Safety Responsibilities
Understanding your duties as a Responsible Person and the fire safety measures you may need to manage within your premises.
Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsibility for fire safety within non-domestic premises normally rests with the Responsible Person.
Depending on the premises, this may be an employer, building owner, landlord, occupier or another person who has control of the premises.
The Responsible Person must take appropriate steps to assess fire risks and put suitable fire safety measures in place to protect employees, visitors and other people who may be affected.
What Does the Responsible Person Need to Do?
Fire safety is an ongoing responsibility. In practical terms, there are four key areas that need to be managed.
Assess the Risk
Identify fire hazards, people who may be at risk and the precautions required to reduce those risks.
Provide Protection
Put appropriate fire detection, warning, escape and firefighting measures in place.
Maintain & Test
Ensure fire safety equipment and systems are properly maintained and remain ready for use.
Keep Records
Maintain appropriate records of assessments, servicing, maintenance, testing and fire safety arrangements.
Areas You May Need to Manage
The fire precautions required will depend on your premises, activities and the findings of your fire risk assessment. Typical areas of responsibility include:
Fire Risk Assessment
Identify hazards, assess risks and determine appropriate fire precautions.
Learn More →Fire Detection & Alarms
Provide appropriate means of detecting fire and warning people within the premises.
Learn More →Fire Extinguishers
Provide suitable firefighting equipment and ensure it is properly maintained.
Learn More →Emergency Lighting
Ensure escape routes can remain adequately illuminated if normal lighting fails.
Learn More →Fire Doors
Inspect and maintain fire doors so they can continue to provide effective protection.
Learn More →Escape Routes & Exits
Keep emergency routes and exits available and ensure people can leave the premises safely.
Staff Information & Training
Ensure employees understand the fire procedures and receive appropriate information and training.
Learn More →Emergency Procedures
Establish appropriate procedures for responding to fire and evacuating the premises.
Additional Fire Safety Responsibilities
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced additional duties for Responsible Persons of certain residential buildings containing two or more domestic premises.
Relevant Residential Buildings
Responsible Persons may have additional duties relating to the provision of fire safety instructions and information to residents.
Buildings Over 11 Metres
Additional requirements apply to certain residential buildings above 11 metres, including requirements relating to checks of fire doors in communal areas and flat entrance doors.
High-Rise Residential Buildings
Further duties apply to high-rise residential buildings, including requirements relating to building information, firefighting equipment and information for fire and rescue services.
Not Sure What Applies to Your Premises?
A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is fundamental to understanding the fire hazards within your premises, identifying who may be at risk and determining the fire precautions that may be required.
Fire Services Central provides professional fire risk assessments for commercial premises, with clear findings and practical recommendations.
Fire Risk Assessments →Fire Safety Doesn't End With the Risk Assessment
Fire safety arrangements should be kept under review. Equipment and systems need appropriate inspection, testing and maintenance, and changes to the premises or the way it is used may affect the level of risk.
Keeping clear records can also help demonstrate how fire safety is being managed within the premises.
Common Questions
Some of the questions businesses commonly ask about their fire safety responsibilities.
Who is the Responsible Person?
Depending on the premises, the Responsible Person may include an employer, owner, landlord, occupier or another person who has control of the premises. In some buildings there may be more than one Responsible Person.
Does my business need a fire risk assessment?
The Responsible Person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment of fire risks is carried out so that appropriate fire precautions can be identified.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
A fire risk assessment should be kept under review and reviewed when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or when significant changes could affect fire risk.
Who is responsible for maintaining fire safety equipment?
The Responsible Person must ensure that appropriate fire safety facilities, equipment and devices are subject to suitable maintenance and are kept in efficient working order and good repair.
Do the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 apply to every business?
No. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced specific additional requirements relating to relevant residential buildings. General fire safety duties for non-domestic premises are principally governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
This page provides general information about fire safety responsibilities and is not intended to replace a fire risk assessment or professional advice relating to a particular premises. Requirements will vary according to the building, its use and the risks identified.
Need Help Managing Your Fire Safety?
From fire risk assessments to ongoing servicing and maintenance, Fire Services Central can help you manage your commercial fire safety requirements.