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The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for the enforcement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, more commonly referred to as the Fire Safety Order. Fire Protection Officers ensure these legal obligations are being met by, amongst other activities, conducting fire safety audits across businesses in Leicestershire.

All work premises, bar several exceptions (see below), fall under the requirements of the Fire Safety Order.  The key to compliance is to undertake a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and to review it regularly (or as and when circumstances change). Where five or more persons are employed, the significant findings of this risk assessment should be recorded; however it would be prudent to record such findings irrespective of numbers as it will help demonstrate compliance.  

If we consider that any provision of the Order has not been met in respect of your premises, we will work with you to help rectify this, giving advice and guidance as necessary. There are a number of steps that can be taken in circumstances where fire safety breaches are identified ranging from simple agreed action plans through to prohibiting or restricting the use of part, or all, of a premises. The number of occasions warranting such action in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is relatively small, but in some instances may lead to legal proceedings being initiated, which could result in significant fines, imprisonment or in some cases both.

Further guidance and information relating to enforcement and regulations contained in the Fire Safety Order can be found by visiting http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/ or should you have a specific query or concern, by contacting us on telephone number 0116 2872241.

To view the Fire Safety Order in full, visit click here

Exemptions

Listed below are those workplaces which are exempt from the requirements of the fire regulations - all others must comply.

  • Workplaces used only by the self-employed.

  • Private dwellings.

  • Construction sites (any workplace to which the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 apply).

  • Any aircraft locomotive or rolling stock etc. which is in use as a means of transport.

  • Mines, other than any building on the surface of a mine.

  • Agricultural or forestry land situated away from the undertaking’s main buildings.

  • Offshore installations (workplaces to which the Offshore Installations and Pipelines Work (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995 apply).

  • Ships within the meaning of Section 313(1) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 other than a ship which is: in the course of construction, or being prepared by people who include people other than the master and crew of the ship.

Premises will not be exempt from the regulations if they have had fire certificates issued in the past, although the information contained within these certificates may be a useful starting point for your fire risk assessment. If you require further clarification on whether your workplace must comply with the regulations please contact your nearest fire safety office.

To visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website, click here