Do you already own a business or thinking of starting a new business?
If you are the owner or have control over a business premises, then you are considered to be the Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Complying with the Fire Safety Order is essential to safeguard your employees, customers, and property.
By following these steps, you will be meeting the requirements set out by the Fire Safety Order to ensure the safety of all building occupants.
Fire Risk Assessment
- Every business, regardless of size or industry, must conduct and record a suitable & sufficient fire risk assessment.
- To identify fire hazards and assess the risk they pose to people and property.
- Develop a plan to reduce the risk and ensure safe evacuation procedures.
- Check out the DWFRS Fire Risk Assessment Template.
- DWFRS Fire Risk Assessment Guidance will assist you using the template.
Install and maintain fire protection systems
- Fire Alarms: Install and maintain a suitable fire alarm system where necessary.
- Emergency Lighting: Provide adequate emergency lighting for safe evacuation.
- Fire Extinguishers: Ensure appropriate fire extinguishers are available and regularly inspected.
- Escape Routes: Maintain clear and unobstructed escape routes.
- Fire Doors: Keep fire doors in good condition and closed when not in use.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of fire safety equipment and systems, keeping records.
Employee Training
- Fire Safety Awareness: Train all employees in fire safety procedures, including how to raise the alarm, evacuate safely, and use fire extinguishers.
- Fire Warden Training: Appoint fire wardens to assist with evacuation and fire safety procedures.
- In small premises with few staff and simple layouts, a full annual fire evacuation drill isn’t essential. However, you should regularly review fire procedures with staff to ensure they understand their roles. Periodic fire drills (e.g., annually) are recommended to test the effectiveness of procedures and staff understanding.
Emergency Procedures
- Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan: Design clear evacuation routes.
- Assign Roles: Designate fire marshals to assist with evacuation and ensure everyone is accounted for.
- Assembly Points: Identify safe areas outside the building where employees should gather.
- Communicate the plan: Train employees on the evacuation plan, and ensure it is posted visibly throughout the workplace.
- Emergency Contacts: Ensure emergency contact information is readily available.
Record Keeping
- Documentation: Maintain records of fire risk assessments, inspections, training, and emergency procedures.
- Check out our Fire Safety Inspections and Maintenance logbook.
For more information and government guidance click here.
Updated legislation for small non-domestic premises can be found here.
Remember:
Regularly check fire alarms, extinguishers, and other equipment. A daily walk ensures fire doors are unlocked, and equipment is functioning.
Review your fire risk assessment annually or after any significant changes, such as increased stock, more visitors to your premises, or renovations.
Cost of living and your business
Whilst we understand that businesses are looking to save money, there are some areas where a saving could be a false economy – and a fire risk… Let’s all #SaveSafely – see our advice to keep your business safe.
Business Continuity
Any business, no matter how big or small, should be taking simple and straightforward measures now to make their business more resilient from fire and a wide range of other potential risks.
Following a serious fire:
- 25% of businesses never re-open.
- 80% of companies who don’t recover in a month are likely to go out of business.
- 75% of businesses without business continuity plans fail within three years.
Consider what you would do to prepare for an emergency that may disrupt your business.
Read here for a real account from a business following a fire at their premises.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
We may inspect your premises as the enforcing authority of the Fire Safety Order, during the inspection it may become apparent that you are non-compliant with the current legislation, and this may result in the following actions:
- Enforcement actions
- Legal fees or fines
- Imprisonment
- Business closure
- Potential loss of life
Protect your investment, employees and your customers by making fire safety your priority.