Health and Safety Consultancy

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) 2005 legislation applies to all non-domestic premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure, and open space. 

For example:

· Offices and Shops

· Care Homes and Hospitals

· Community Centres, places of Worship

· Shared Accommodation

· Pubs, Clubs and Restaurants

· Schools and Sports Centres

· Hotels and Hostels

· Factories and Warehouses 

· It excludes domestic premises occupied by a single-family group.

A nominated duty holder referred to as ‘The Responsible Person’ has the responsibility for complying with the RRFSO. In a workplace, this is employer and/or any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, e.g. the occupier or owner.

In all other premises the person or people in control of the premises will be responsible. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises (e.g. a multi-occupied complex), all must take all reasonable steps to co-operate and co-ordinate with each other.

You do need a valid and up to date fire risk assessment if you fit in to any of the below categories:

• An employer or self employed person with business premises
• A landlord responsible for business premises
• A landlord of a house of multiple occupancy (HMO)
• Premises providing accomadation for paying guests
• Premises open to the public and consumers
• Charities, churches and voluntary organisations
• Educational building, nurseries, schools and colleges
• Medical facilities and care homes
• Contractors responsible for all or parts of a building
• Residential property with communal or shared areas

You will have to consider any person reporting to your premises, such as:

· contractors

· professional visitors

· members of the public

· any other persons who may be affected by your activities

Yes, they have the powers of entry to fulfil their responsibilities. They will not carry out your fire risk assessment for you.

We would advise annually as a guide. However, there may be circumstances where it needs to be more frequent:

· Control measure(s) identified in company risk assessment 

· If the premises are modified i.e. extended, altered in any way

· Changes to work operations/practices carried out within the premises e.g. hot processes, storage of flammable materials, etc.

· Changes to the use of the premises e.g. numbers attending the premises, sleeping accommodation, etc.

· Changes in the personal circumstances of employees attending the premises i.e. mobility impaired, etc.

· In the event of the Fire Authorities intervention or other Authoritative Body

· Legislation changes come into effect etc.

Note: This is not a definitive list