Fire safety law in the UK places legal responsibility on a person known as the Responsible Person. Understanding who this is and what they must do is essential for staying compliant with fire safety legislation.
The Responsible Person is usually:
- The business owner
- The employer
- The landlord
- The managing agent
- The building owner
If more than one organisation operates within a building, there may be multiple responsible persons who must work together.
Responsibilities Include:
The Responsible Person must:
- Arrange a fire risk assessment
- Keep the fire risk assessment up to date
- Maintain fire alarm systems
- Maintain emergency lighting
- Ensure fire extinguishers are serviced
- Keep escape routes clear
- Provide staff training
Legal Requirements
The Responsible Person must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Failing to meet these duties can result in:
- Enforcement notices
- Prohibition notices
- Fines
- Prosecution
Getting Professional Help
Many Responsible Persons choose to appoint a professional fire risk assessor to ensure their premises meet current fire safety standards.
Approved Fire Risk Assessments Ltd provides professional fire risk assessments for businesses across Kent, London and the South East.