Fire safety regulations

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 received Parliamentary approval in June 2005 and came into force on 1October 2006. It is the sole piece of legislation for fire safety issues.

The main focus of the order is fire prevention. Fire certificates have been abolished and have no legal status. The local fire and rescue authority, the Health and Safety Executive, or other relevant local authority will remain enforcing authority.

Under the Reform Order, the 'responsible person' for the premises must carry out a fire risk assessment and nominate a sufficient number of competent persons (fire marshals) to assist in implementing the emergency procedures identified in the fire risk assessment.