Fire safety questions, answered

Most businesses in England and Wales are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It requires businesses to assess and manage fire risks in their premises and take reasonable steps to protect employees, visitors and others.

The responsible person, usually the employer or business owner. If you control the premises, you are legally responsible for fire safety compliance, even if you outsource certain tasks.

Yes. A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for almost all businesses, whatever their size. It identifies fire hazards, assesses the risk and sets out the actions needed to reduce or control it.

In very small, low-risk premises it may be possible if you are competent. Most businesses benefit from a competent professional, so the assessment is thorough, legally compliant and defensible if inspected.

At least annually, and whenever the layout or use of the premises changes, new equipment or processes are introduced, or after a fire or near miss.

Yes. All staff must receive appropriate fire safety training, including what to do in the event of a fire, how to raise the alarm and how to evacuate.

Fire awareness training for all staff, fire warden or fire marshal training, evacuation procedures and practical extinguisher training where appropriate. Training should reflect the risks identified in your fire risk assessment.

Where your fire risk assessment or the building design relies on fire doors to protect escape routes or separate areas, they must be suitable, kept closed or held open only on approved devices, and maintained. Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order requires them to be kept in good working order.

Fire authorities can issue enforcement or prohibition notices, impose fines or prosecute. Serious breaches can lead to closure or criminal charges.

Yes. The Fire Safety Order applies to the communal areas of residential buildings such as blocks of flats and HMOs, including corridors, stairwells, entrance halls and shared facilities.

Usually the freeholder, the landlord or a managing agent acting for the owner. They must make sure fire risks are properly assessed and managed.

Yes. Any building with two or more homes and shared communal areas must have a fire risk assessment covering those areas.

Means of escape, fire detection and warning systems, fire doors and compartmentation, emergency lighting and signage, and management procedures and maintenance.

Yes. Fire doors protect escape routes and limit the spread of fire and smoke. They must be suitable, correctly installed and maintained.

Yes. A competent person should inspect them regularly. In buildings over 11 metres, communal fire doors must be checked every three months and flat entrance doors every year, on a best-endeavours basis.

Staff such as caretakers, concierges or managing agents need appropriate training. Residents must also be given clear fire safety information.

Enforcement action by the fire authority, significant fines, reputational damage and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.