Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order replaced Fire Workplace Regulations in 2006

The Regulatory Reform(Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force in 2006 replacing a large number of previously existing fire related legislation. Previously, the Fire Brigade would inspect certain premises and if happy with the fire precautions in place, would issue a fire certificate. That is no longer the case.

Nearly all fire safety workplace legislation was replaced by the introduction of 2006 by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This removed the legal status of Fire Certificates and instead extended the requirement for Fire Risk Assessments to be carried out to safeguard persons and property.

This new legislation introduced the Responsible Person who must ensure that a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment is carried out for the premises, so that the risks to which relevant persons are exposed as identified by the Fire Risk Assessment, can be controlled by general fire precautions in order to comply with the requirements of the legislation. The Responsible Person may be the person who carries out the Fire Risk Assessment, if they have the competence to do so, or they may use an internal or external person(s) or organisation who has the expertise to carry out the Fire Risk Assessment to the required standard.

Also the Responsible Person has to nominate Competent Person(s) who will implement fire fighting measures and ensure that the required number of Competent Persons retain their competency through training, and that the facilities available for them are adequate in relation to fire safety. A person is to be regarded as competent in this context where he/she has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable him or her properly to implement those measures.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service  will be able to give advice should it be required. Also a number of general and specific guides are available for different types of premises which also include information about what is required within a Fire Risk Assessment, and the rationale behind the requirements. The Communities and Local Government will direct you to the guides, and again Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will give advice if required.