Fire Risk Assessments: Your Responsibilities Under UK Fire Safety Law

Any business that employs staff has a legal duty to ensure fire safety on its premises. In England and Wales, if your business employs five or more people, you are required to have a written fire risk assessment. All non-domestic premises must comply with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and similar regulations apply across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Responsible Person: Your Key Role in Fire Safety
Under UK fire safety law, the person who controls or manages a premises carries ultimate responsibility for fire safety. This role may be called:

• The Responsible Person in England, Wales, and most of the UK
• The Duty Holder in Scotland
• The Appropriate Person in Northern Ireland

Regardless of the title, this individual has a legal obligation to protect employees, visitors, and anyone else who might be affected by a fire.

At EA-RS, we help businesses understand these responsibilities and provide expert solutions to meet legal compliance, protect staff, and safeguard property.

10 Key Responsibilities of the Responsible Person

1. Implement Fire Precautions: Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of employees and anyone else on the premises.
2. Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment: Assess all risks in the building, identify hazards, and update the assessment regularly.
3. Control Dangerous Substances: Identify, eliminate, or reduce risks associated with flammable or hazardous materials.
4. Provide Appropriate Equipment: Install fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and fire blankets, ensuring they are clearly marked and easily accessible.
5. Maintain Clear Escape Routes: Ensure emergency exits and access paths are never obstructed.
6. Conduct Fire Drills: Schedule regular drills to familiarise staff with evacuation procedures; train deputies and fire wardens appropriately.
7. Maintain Fire Safety Systems: Keep all fire detection and suppression equipment in good working order and maintain records of inspections and servicing.
8. Appoint Competent Personnel: Assign trained staff to assist with fire safety duties, ensuring they understand their responsibilities.
9. Communicate Procedures: Inform all employees, visitors, and contractors of hazards, evacuation plans, and who to contact in an emergency.
10. Train All Employees: Provide fire safety training during induction and refresh periodically, covering evacuation procedures, fire alarms, and fire warden roles.

Why Partner with EA-RS
EA-RS has over 30 years of experience providing expert fire, security, and electrical solutions across the UK. Our team can:

• Carry out professional fire risk assessments
• Advise on compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
• Design, install, and maintain fire detection and suppression systems
• Train staff in fire safety procedures.

We ensure that your business not only meets legal obligations but also creates a safer workplace for everyone on your premises.

Protect Your People, Property, and Business with EA-RS
Fire safety is not optional, it’s a legal and moral responsibility. EA-RS is here to provide guidance, expert solutions, and ongoing support to help your business comply with fire safety regulations and mitigate risk.

Contact EA-RS today to schedule a fire risk assessment or discuss your fire safety strategy.