Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. RR(FS)O.
Promoting a greater understanding of fire safety
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 introduced significant change as well as simplifying legislation.
The Fire Safety Order introduced the need for employers, building owners and occupiers to have a greater understanding of fire safety and to nominate a 'responsible person' to ensure compliance.
What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Order, made under the Regulatory Reform Act (Fire Safety) Order 2005 replaces many of the references to fire safety in other legislation such as the Fire Precautions Act, Licensing Act and Housing Acts with a simple, single Order. It requires any person who exercises some level of control in premises to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and ensure occupants can safely escape if a fire does occur.
In such premises achieving fire safety is often a matter of common sense but you will have to ensure that sufficient time is put aside to work through the necessary steps.
Where does it apply?
The Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space.
For example:
- Offices and shops
- Sleeping accommodation
- Residential care premises
- Educational premises
- Animal premises & stables
- Transport premises & facilities
- Healthcare premises
- Open air events & venues
- Theatres & cinemas
- Small & medium places of assembly
- Large places of assembly
- Common areas of houses in multiple-occupation
- Factories and warehouses.
What are the main requirements of the Order?
The responsible person is required to:
- Carry out or nominate someone to carry out a fire risk assessment identifying the risks and hazards
- Consider who may be especially at risk
- Eliminate or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably practical and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk
- Take additional measures to ensure fire safety where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored
- Create a plan to deal with any emergency and, in most cases, document your findings
- Review the findings as necessary.
Need help, advice or assistance?
If you're looking for expert advice on all the necessary steps that need to taken to ensure regulatory compliance, get in touch with Basingstoke Fire Protection.
We can offer guidance on all current fire safety legislation including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order - RR(FS)O.
For more information on how to create an effective fire safety policy that helps minimise the risk of fire and provides clear instructions and procedures, contact us now.
