Fire Safety Order Compliance Check

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) places a legal duty on the “responsible person” — usually the employer, building owner, or whoever has control of the premises — to carry out and regularly review a fire risk assessment, and to put in place and maintain proportionate fire precautions. This applies to almost every non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including offices, shops, warehouses, restaurants, and shared or multi-occupied buildings. Following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 strengthened these duties for certain buildings, clarifying that external walls, cladding, and flat entrance doors fall within scope, and introducing mandatory annual reviews and resident information requirements for higher-risk residential buildings.

Failure to comply is a criminal offence. Fire and Rescue Authorities can serve enforcement or prohibition notices, and prosecution can result in an unlimited fine or up to two years’ imprisonment for serious breaches, particularly where a fire risk assessment was inadequate or non-existent and someone was put at risk. Insurers may also refuse or reduce claims where a business cannot demonstrate an up-to-date fire risk assessment and evidence of routine checks, staff training, and maintained fire safety equipment.

Use this free tool to check whether your fire risk assessment, precautions, and record-keeping meet your duties as the responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Get a clear action plan in minutes.