The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places fire safety duties on the responsible person for premises covered by the Order. In practice that is often the employer, the owner, the landlord, or the person in control of the premises (for example a managing agent), depending on the situation.
These duties apply across England and Wales—including commercial and many residential buildings in the Midlands (from Birmingham and Coventry to Nottingham and Leicester) and throughout Greater London. Where more than one party shares control, they must cooperate and coordinate on safety measures.
Core duties (in brief)
The responsible person must take general fire precautions, carry out (or arrange) a fire risk assessment, implement appropriate measures, maintain equipment and escape routes, provide information to employees or residents where relevant, and review the assessment when circumstances change.
Documentation and enforcement
Keeping a clear written record of significant findings (where required) and of actions taken helps demonstrate compliance. Regulators may inspect premises; in serious cases, enforcement action or prosecution can follow failures to comply.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For an assessment tailored to your building in the Midlands or London, contact our team.