What Is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, often called the Fire Safety Order or FSO, is the law that requires every business, landlord, and employer in England and Wales to carry out a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date.

If you run or manage a business in the UK, fire safety isn’t just a moral responsibility, it’s a legal one. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, often shortened to the FSO, is the cornerstone of modern fire safety law.

It came into force on 1 October 2006, replacing more than 70 separate pieces of legislation and creating a single, risk-based framework for fire safety across England and Wales.

Rather than relying on old “fire certificates”, the FSO puts the responsibility firmly in the hands of those who know the building best, the responsible person.

Who Is the “Responsible Person”?

Under the FSO, the responsible person is typically:

• The employer (for workplaces),

• The owner, occupier, or managing agent (for business or industrial premises), or

• Anyone who has control over part or all of the premises.

This person must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out, that appropriate fire safety measures are in place, and that both the assessment and those measures are kept up to date.

If you’re an employer, building owner, or site operator, yes, this applies to you.

What the Fire Safety Order Means for Businesses

The purpose of the FSO was to simplify fire safety legislation and reduce the number of enforcing authorities that businesses deal with.

Key benefits for businesses include:

• A single, clear set of duties under one order, rather than multiple overlapping laws.

• Flexibility - you decide what measures are appropriate for your risks and building type.

• Empowerment - those managing the risks are responsible for controlling them.

The FSO encourages continuous improvement, not a “tick box” exercise but an ongoing process of risk review, training, and fire prevention.

What does the Fire Safety Order require?

Under the Order, the responsible person must:

1. Carry out a fire risk assessment – identify potential ignition sources, fuel, and oxygen sources.

2. Implement suitable measures – fire detection, warning systems, escape routes, extinguishers, and emergency procedures.

3. Record significant findings – required if you employ five or more people.

4. Plan, train, and communicate – ensure everyone knows what to do in case of fire.

5. Review regularly – keep your assessment current, especially when there are changes to the building, occupancy, or processes.

Failing to do these things is a breach of the law and could lead to enforcement action by your local Fire and Rescue Authority.

What a Fire Risk Assessment Involves

A competent fire risk assessment typically follows five steps:

1. Identify fire hazards – What could ignite? What could burn?

2. Identify people at risk – Employees, visitors, contractors, and anyone vulnerable.

3. Evaluate, remove, or reduce risks – Make practical changes to minimise danger.

4. Record, plan, and train – Keep evidence of your controls and ensure everyone is trained.

5. Review and revise – Update your plan as your business evolves.

Can You Do It Yourself?

In some low-risk workplaces, yes.
If your premises are small and straightforward, the person responsible may be able to complete the assessment themselves — provided they take the time to understand the process and act on the findings.

However, for complex premises, multi-occupancy buildings, or industrial environments, you’ll likely need help from a competent person, someone with the training, experience, and knowledge to understand the hazards and apply the right controls.

That’s where independent fire safety specialists like York Green come in. We help you meet your legal duties with assessments based on the industry standard PAS 79 methodology, and a practical, people-first approach.

What Happens if You Don’t Comply with the Fire Safety Order?

Fire and Rescue Authorities have a duty to enforce the FSO.
If they inspect your premises and find serious risks that aren’t being managed, they can:

• Issue an enforcement notice requiring specific improvements within a set timeframe,

• Issue a prohibition notice stopping the use of unsafe areas, or

• In severe cases, prosecute under fire safety law.

But most Fire and Rescue Services take a supportive, proportionate approach, helping businesses improve rather than penalising them unnecessarily.

How Often Should You Review Your Fire Risk Assessment?

You should review your fire risk assessment regularly, at least annually or sooner if:

• There are changes to the building layout or use,

• Staff numbers or processes change,

• A fire, near miss, or significant fault occurs.

Think of it as a living document that grows with your business.

What If You Share Premises?

If you share a building with other businesses, you must co-ordinate your fire safety arrangements.
This means sharing your fire risk assessment and ensuring your evacuation plans align with your neighbours’.

Fire safety works best when everyone in the building is pulling in the same direction.

The Bottom Line

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 puts the responsibility for fire safety where it belongs, with those who know the risks, the people, and the building best.

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting lives, property, and your reputation.

York Green Can Help

At York Green – Safety Partners, we specialise in Fire Risk Assessments for:

• Commercial and industrial premises

• Construction and refurbishment sites

• Energy and waste plants and complex process sites

We help you understand your risks, prioritise your actions, and stay compliant, with reports that are practical, clear, and tailored to your operations.

Visit www.yorkgreen.co.uk or book your expert now to talk about your fire safety challenges.