The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force on the 1st October 2006. The regulation amends or replaces 118 pieces of legislation, the most significant being the Fire Precautions Act 1971 and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999.

The aim of the regulation is to rationalise and consolidate legislation into one simpler piece, leading to a safer workplace. It will apply to all workplaces in England and Wales. Workplaces within Scotland now fall under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.

The legislation places the responsibility of fire safety on the employer or ‘responsible person’ for that premises or building.

The ‘responsible person’ will need to ensure that a fire risk assessment has been conducted to establish the risk of fire and then take steps to remove or reduce them.

Fire certificates, which were issued under the previous regulations, will be abolished and become invalid however inspections will still continue. Failure to comply with the new regulations may lead to legal action resulting in a fine or up to two years imprisonment.