Most businesses in England and Wales are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This law requires businesses to assess and manage fire risks in their premises and take reasonable steps to protect employees, visitors, and others.

The Responsible Person is usually the employer or business owner. If you control the premises, you are legally responsible for ensuring fire safety compliance, even if you outsource certain tasks.

Yes. A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for almost all businesses, regardless of size. It identifies fire hazards, assesses risk, and sets out actions needed to reduce or control that risk.

In very small, low-risk premises it may be possible if you are competent. However, most businesses benefit from using a competent professional to ensure the assessment is thorough, legally compliant, and defensible if inspected.

Your assessment should be reviewed:

• At least annually
• If the layout or use of the premises changes
• When new equipment or processes are introduced
• After a fire or near miss

Yes. All staff must receive appropriate fire safety training, including what to do in the event of a fire, how to raise the alarm, and evacuation procedures.

This may include:

• Fire awareness training for all staff.
• Fire warden / fire marshal training.
• Evacuation and emergency procedures
• Practical extinguisher training where appropriate

Training should reflect the risks identified in your Fire Risk Assessment.

Fire authorities can issue enforcement or prohibition notices, impose fines, or prosecute. Serious breaches can result in business closure or criminal charges.

The Fire Network supports businesses with:

• Professional Fire Risk Assessments

• Fire safety training for staff.

• Fire door inspections.

• Clear, practical action plans

• Ongoing advice to maintain compliance.

Yes. The Fire Safety Order 2005 applies to the communal areas of residential buildings such as blocks of flats and HMOs, including corridors, stairwells, entrance halls, and shared facilities.

This is usually the:

Freeholder

Landlord

Managing agent acting on behalf of the owner

The Responsible Person must ensure fire risks are accurately assessed and managed.

Yes. Any building with two or more residential units and shared communal areas must have a Fire Risk Assessment covering those areas.

It typically covers:

• Means of escape
• Fire detection and warning systems.
• Fire doors and compartmentation.
• Emergency lighting and signage
• Management procedures and maintenance

Fire Risk Assessments should be reviewed:

• Regularly (usually annually)
• Following building works or refurbishments
• After changes in occupancy or layout
• If new risks are identified

Yes. Fire doors are critical to protecting escape routes and limiting the spread of fire and smoke. They must be suitable, correctly installed, and maintained.

Yes. A competent person should regularly inspect fire doors to ensure they remain compliant and effective. Inspection reports provide evidence of compliance.

For staff such as caretakers, concierges, or managing agents, appropriate fire safety training is required. Clear information must also be provided to residents where relevant.

Failure to comply can result in:

• Enforcement action by the fire authority
• Significant fines
• Reputational damage
• Criminal prosecution in serious cases

The Fire Network provides:

• Fire Risk Assessments for residential buildings.
• Fire door inspections and reporting.
• Practical remediation guidance
• Clear documentation for audit and enforcement purposes
• Ongoing compliance support