Fire
safety law and guidance documents for business
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
2005 (FSO) came into effect in October 2006 and replaced over 70 pieces of fire
safety law. In certain instances Fire Alarm Systems need to be in place
The FSO applies to all non-domestic
premises in England and Wales, including
the common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation
(HMOs). The law applies to you if you are:
• responsible for business premises
an employer or self-employed with business
• premises
responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for
• business purposes
a charity or voluntary organisation
a contractor with a
• degree of control
over any premises
providing accommodation for paying guests
Under the FSO, the responsible person must
carry out a fire safety risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire
management plan including a check on Fire Alarm Systems. Further information on what you need to do when carrying out a
risk assessment is available in the 5-step fire risk assessment checklist
below.
In addition, more detailed advice and
guidance on the implementation of a fire risk management plan can be found in
the series of guidance documents available on the Fire Gateway website . The
more technical guidance documents have been produced with specific types of
business premises in mind.
If, having completed a fire risk assessment,
you need more practical advice or information, you local Fire and Rescue
Authority may be able to help. You may feel more comfortable employing a fire
safety specialist to help you. Alternatively you may be able to ask your
insurer for a recommendation on the installation of Fire Alam Systems
