The Responsible Person Responsibilities

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 outlines the responsibilities for ensuring fire safety in non-domestic premises, as detailed in Articles 8 to 24.

---

Article 8: General Fire Precautions

The responsible person must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of employees and others legally on the premises by taking general fire precautions.

General fire precautions include measures to:

1. Reduce the risk of fire.

2. Ensure safe evacuation in the event of fire

Article 9: Risk Assessment

• The responsible person must conduct and regularly review a fire risk assessment to:

  1. Identify fire hazards.

  2. Evaluate risks to employees and others.

  3. Determine necessary fire safety measures.

• The risk assessment must be updated if there are significant changes to the premises or risks.

Article 10: Principles of Prevention

• The responsible person must apply fire prevention principles, such as:

  1. Avoiding risks where possible.

  2. Evaluating and combating risks at their source.

  3. Adapting measures to account for technical progress.

  4. Replacing dangerous materials with safer alternatives.

  5. Giving priority to collective protective measures.

Article 11: Fire Safety Arrangements

• Fire safety arrangements must be appropriate to the premises’ size and risks.

• In significant premises, the arrangements must be documented and communicated.

Article 12: Elimination or Reduction of Risks from Dangerous Substances

• The responsible person must take measures to eliminate or reduce risks arising from dangerous substances (e.g., flammable chemicals).

Article 13: Fire-Fighting and Fire Detection

• The responsible person must ensure:

  • Fire-fighting equipment (e.g., extinguishers) is provided and accessible.

  • Fire detection and alarm systems are installed and maintained.

  • Equipment is appropriate for the risks in the premises.

Article 14: Emergency Routes and Exits

• Ensure that:

  • Emergency routes and exits are sufficient and lead to a safe location.

  • They are kept clear, well-lit, and marked with signs.

  • Doors used as emergency exits open easily without the use of keys.

Article 15: Procedures for Serious and Imminent Danger

• Establish clear procedures for dealing with serious fire risks.

• Inform employees about these procedures and appoint people to implement them.

Article 16: Additional Emergency Measures

• Provide extra emergency measures where hazardous materials or processes increase fire risks.

Article 17: Maintenance

• Fire safety equipment, systems, and precautions (e.g., alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting) must be maintained in good working order.

• Regular testing and servicing are required.

Article 18: Competent Persons

• The responsible person must appoint one or more competent persons to assist in fire safety measures.

• Competence is defined as having sufficient training, experience, and knowledge.

Article 19: Provision of Information to Employees

• Employees must be provided with:

  1. Fire risk assessment findings.

  2. Information about fire safety measures and emergency procedures.

  3. Details of who is responsible for fire safety.

Article 20: Provision of Information to Employers and Others

• Information about fire risks and safety measures must be shared with:

  1. Other employers working in or visiting the premises.

  2. Contractors or anyone with control over the premises.

Article 21: Training

• Employees must be given adequate fire safety training:

  1. At the time of hiring.

  2. When changes to risks or procedures occur.

  3. Repeated at appropriate intervals.

Article 22: Co-operation and Co-ordination

• In premises shared by multiple parties, all responsible persons must:

  1. Cooperate to ensure fire safety.

  2. Share information on fire risks and safety measures.

Article 23: General Duties of Employees

• Employees must:

  1. Take reasonable care of themselves and others in relation to fire safety.

  2. Cooperate with the responsible person to comply with fire safety measures.

  3. Not intentionally interfere with or misuse fire safety equipment.

Article 24: Power of the Secretary of State

• The Secretary of State has the power to:

  1. Make regulations to enhance fire safety standards.

  2. Amend or update provisions of the Fire Safety Order where necessary.

Summary

Articles 8–24 form the foundation of fire safety compliance for non-domestic premises. They emphasise:

1. Assessing and managing fire risks.

2. Implementing effective fire precautions.

3. Ensuring proper maintenance, training, and cooperation among all parties.