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What is the current fire safety legislation for businesses?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 became law on 1st October 2006. This requires anyone who has some level of control in a business premises to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.

Does it affect me?
Yes, if you are:

• Responsible for any business premises;
• An employer or a self-employed person with business premises;
• A charitable or voluntary organisation;
• A contractor with a rep
• Responsible for any premises, or maintenance of any premises, whether your premises or not.

The legislation does not apply to private homes, including individual flats in a block or house.

What do I have to do?

• Carry out a fire risk assessment identifying possible dangers and risks;
• Consider who may be at risk;
• Get rid or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably possible and provide general fire precautions to deal with any possible risk left;
• Take other measures to make sure there is protection if flammable or explosive materials are used or stored;
• Create a plan to deal with any emergency and, in most cases, keep a record of the findings.

How do I carry out a fire risk assessment?
A set of guides which detail what you have to do to comply with fire safety law, how to carry out a risk assessment and identify the general fire precautions you need to have in place are also available from www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/firesafetylaw/

Do I need a fire certificate?
Fire certificates are no longer valid. However, a fire certificate is a good starting point for your fire risk assessment.

Will the Fire and Rescue Service still inspect my premises?
In most cases yes, particularly in higher risk premises. However, they will not carry out your fire risk assessment for you - that is your responsibility!

Is there any training I can go on?
Visit our training section for information about fire safety courses.

Where can I get more information?
If you're a business and you want to find out more about what the legislation means and what your responsibilities are, we can help! Simply email us at responsibility@manchesterfire.gov.uk or call 0161 736 5866 and speak to one of our Fire Safety Officers.

Last update: 13/06/2011 09:13:48