The introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in October 2006 marked a major change in the UK’s approach to fire safety. The old system of fire certificates was replaced with an approach that was significantly more risk assessment based, placing a greater emphasis for fire safety on employers and owners / occupiers of buildings.

We reported on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in July 2005.

The risk-based approach implemented by the fire safety order applies to (almost) all non-domestic premises – community, industrial and business. Employers, owners and occupiers are required to appoint a competent, responsible person to carry out a fire safety risk assessment, implement appropriate fire protection measures and maintain a fire management plan. (more…)