This law matters for businesses that control premises, workplaces or shared areas. The practical duty is to manage fire risk as an ongoing system: assessment, controls, training, evacuation planning, maintenance and review when the premises or use changes.
Main laws
United Kingdom Instrument
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 sets fire safety duties for many non-domestic premises in England and Wales.
In forceUnited KingdomPlain-English guide4 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- This law matters for businesses that control premises, workplaces or shared areas.
- The practical duty is to manage fire risk as an ongoing system: assessment, controls, training, evacuation planning, maintenance and review when the premises or use changes.
Likely relevant if
- Retail, hospitality and office businesses
- Businesses controlling or managing premises
- Landlords and facilities managers
Check first
- Identify the responsible person and premises in scope
- Carry out and review fire risk assessments
- Maintain fire precautions, evacuation plans and training
What this means in practice
Key points
- A fire risk assessment should reflect how the premises are actually used.
- Shared buildings need clear responsibility between landlord, tenant and manager.
- Training and maintenance records are often the evidence that the system was working.
When this law usually matters
Most businesses do not need to memorise the whole law. The useful starting point is to know when it is likely to affect a contract, customer journey, employee process, data flow or company decision.
Key points
- Retail, hospitality and office businesses
- Businesses controlling or managing premises
- Landlords and facilities managers
- Operators sharing premises with other businesses
What to check first
Sense check
- Identify the responsible person and premises in scope
- Carry out and review fire risk assessments
- Maintain fire precautions, evacuation plans and training
- Coordinate fire safety responsibilities in shared premises
Documents and workflows to review
Key points
- Fire risk assessment
- Lease and premises responsibilities
- Emergency plan
- Training records
- Maintenance logs