This is a summary of the Fire Safety Law as it applies to non-domestic properties in England and Wales.
The Law That Applies
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises are required to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment carried out on them, regardless of the size of the premise or nature of the business.
Who Is Responsible
In many cases the responsible person will be the employer of the premises and this can be the owner of the building or the person in control of the building. The assessment can be completed by the responsible person or they can appoint someone competent to complete the assessment on their behalf.
What Must Be Recorded
For premises with 5 or more employees it is also a requirement that significant findings, actions and review details are recorded following a fire risk assessment, including hazards, people at risk of injury or damage to property and the actions that can be taken to reduce such risk.
When a Review Is Required
There is no time frame for Fire Risk Assessments, and these need to be reviewed after matters such as a change of use, structural alteration, significant changes in staff, following a fire or near miss incident. There is more on Fire Risk Assessment Cheltenham at apmfireandsecurity.com/fire-risk-assessment/cheltenham.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Not adhering to these terms will result in an unlimited fine or up to two years’ imprisonment. For fire risk assessments local fire and rescue services have powers of inspection and can issue notices and take action. Enforcement officers have the authority to take action.
Getting the assessment right is not just a legal formality – it is a direct protection for the people in your building.
