EMPLOYER OBLIGATIONS

THE LAW

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) places very clear and unequivocal duties on organisations. It replaced and consolidated a raft of fire safety legislation that was contained in numerous other Acts of Parliament. Significantly it took the onus of compliance with fire safety requirements away from the enforcing authorities and placed it clearly upon the shoulders of organisations themselves. The 'Responsible Person' as defined by the RRFSO must ensure that any duty imposed by Articles 8 to 23 or by regulations made under Article 24 is complied with in respect of those premises. Additionally, if 5 or more persons are employed, written records must be kept of the significant findings of the risk assessment, including the measures which have been or will be taken by the responsible person and any group of persons identified by the assessment as being especially at risk.

Duties include:




• Make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which persons are exposed.
• Consider the risks of any dangerous substances present and eliminate or reduce the risk.
• Assess all risks in relation to young persons that may be employed or present on the premises.
• Assess all risks in relation to people with disabilities or in need of special care, that may be employed or present on the premises.
• Make records of the significant findings of the risk assessment including the measures that have or will be taken.
• Identify the persons at risk.
• Ensure adequate provision of means for fighting fires and raising the alarm.
• Ensure that routes to emergency exits from premises and the exits themselves are kept clear at all times.
• Ensure that there are appropriate procedures in place, including safety drills, to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger.
• In respect of dangerous substances, ensure that information is available and suitable emergency arrangements are in place.
• Ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the Fire Risk Assessment are properly maintained.
• Appoint one or more competent persons to assist in undertaking the preventative and protective measures.
• Provide employees and contractors with comprehensible and relevant information with respect to identified risks and the preventative and protective measures taken.
• Ensure employees are provided with adequate safety training.
• In shared premises, co-operate with other responsible person(s) to enable mutual compliance with the RRFSO.
• Carry out regular reviews of the risk assessment to ensure it keeps up to date.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee must:


• Take reasonable care of him/herself and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
• Co-operate with employers to enable duties of the RRFSO to be performed or complied with.
• Inform the employer or other employee responsible for safety of dangers to safety and any shortcomings of the employers safety protection arrangements.



The law allows organisations to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment themselves providing that they have the necessary competence and experience to do so, otherwise a competent person should be engaged to carry out the process on behalf of the organisation. Safety Assessment Solutions hold the necessary competence and experience to provide this service, tailored to organisations' specific needs.