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Where does the order apply?
The order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure and open space. For example, it applies to:
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offices and shops
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premises that provide care, including care homes and hospitals
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community halls places of worship and other community premises
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the shared areas of properties several households live in
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pubs, clubs and restaurants
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schools and sports centres
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tents and marquees
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hotels and hostels
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factories and warehouses
It does not apply to people’s private homes, including individual flats in a block or house.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Services) Order 2005 (RRO), implemented in October 2006, replaced the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.
The RRO applies to both new and existing premises and provides minimum fire safety standards.
The order emphasises the duty of the 'Responsible Person' to ensure that a fire risk assessment is carried out and to put in place appropriate fire safety measures to manage the risk based on the specific circumstances of their premises.
In a workplace, this is the employer and any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, e.g. the occupier or owner.
In all other premises the person or people in control of the premises will be responsible. If there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises (e.g. a multi-occupied complex), all must take all reasonable steps to co-operate and co-ordinate with each other
Any person who has some level of control in premises must take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and make sure people can safely escape if there is a fire.
Your fire risk assessment will help you identify risks that can be removed or reduced and decide the nature and extent of the general fire precautions you need to take.
It should pay particular attention to those at special risk or need assistance in evacuating in an emergency such as:
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Disabled people
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Those who have special needs
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Children
The fire risk assessment must also include consideration of any dangerous substances liable to be on the premises.
The main rules under the order are to:
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Carry out a fire-risk assessment identifying possible dangers and risks
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Consider who may be especially at risk
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Get rid of or reduce the risk from fire as far as is reasonably possible and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk
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Take other measures to make sure there is protection if flammable or explosive materials are used or stored
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Create a plan to deal with any emergency and, in most cases, keep a record of your findings
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Review your assessment periodically and when situations changs
If your organisation employs five or more people, your premises are licensed or an alterations notice is in force, you must record the significant findings of the assessment. It is good practice to record your significant findings in any case.
What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?
What are the main rules under the order?
Who is the responsible person?
Fire Risk Assessment
