Fire Safety Law

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Gov.uk) covers general fire safety in England and Wales.

Who is responsible?

Fire Safety law in the UK applies to any place (though there are a few exceptions, including domestic premises). The law requires the ‘Responsible Person’ to ensure the safety of people in the event of fire.

The Responsible Person in a workplace is an employer. If it is not a workplace the ‘Responsible Person’ is the occupier or the building owner.

A ‘Responsible Person’ must ensure that a Fire Risk Assessment has been completed and is kept up to date.

Please use a Fire Safety Log Book (Word, 85KB) which will help you prove compliance with Fire Safety Regulations. It should be completed following the inspection, testing or maintenance of any of the Fire Safety provisions required by the Fire Safety law.

Escape Routes

Fire Alarms

Firefighting Equipment

Maintenance and Records

Preplanning for Fire

Advice for landlords

False Alarms

Enforcement Register

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are the responsible person for the premises you must carry out and regularly review a Fire Risk Assessment. This will identify what you need to do to prevent fire and keep people safe. You must keep written records if you employ 5 or more people.

If you are the Responsible Person you may choose to complete your own Fire Risk Assessment.

To comply with the law, any person appointed to undertake fire safety measures must be regarded as competent. This means that they must have sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable them to complete a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) cannot complete your fire risk assessment. It is your legal responsibility.

GMFRS does however have a duty to promote fire safety and to provide advice on request.

If you feel like you would benefit from fire safety advice this can be arranged through our Contact Centre on 0800 555 815.

GMFRS can give you support and advice on how to improve your fire safety.

GMFRS also has a duty to enforce fire safety law. Where we are of the opinion that fire safety falls below the required standard, we may take enforcement action up to and including prosecution to ensure people are safe.