Fire safety compliance is a legal obligation for virtually all UK businesses. Whether you run a small office, a retail shop, a care home, or a large industrial facility, you must take reasonable steps to protect people from fire. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about meeting your fire safety duties under UK law.
Table of Contents
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Fire Risk Assessment
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
- Emergency Lighting
- Fire Doors
- Fire Extinguishers
- Escape Routes and Signage
- Staff Training
- Record Keeping
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (commonly called the Fire Safety Order or FSO) is the primary fire safety legislation for non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It came into force on 1 October 2006, replacing over 70 pieces of previous fire safety legislation and abolishing fire certificates.
Who does the Fire Safety Order apply to?
The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all non-domestic premises, including:
- Workplaces — offices, shops, factories, warehouses
- Commercial premises — restaurants, pubs, hotels, cinemas, theatres
- Public buildings — schools, hospitals, libraries, museums
- Residential common areas — shared hallways, stairways, and corridors in flats and HMOs
- Places of worship — churches, mosques, temples, synagogues
- Voluntary and community premises — village halls, community centres, sports clubs
- Any premises where people work or have access (excluding private dwellings)
The Fire Safety Order does not apply inside individual domestic dwellings. However, if you're a landlord or managing agent, the common areas of residential buildings (corridors, stairways, shared facilities) are covered. The Fire Safety Act 2021 extended this to include external walls and flat entrance doors.
Who is the "Responsible Person"?
The Fire Safety Order places duties on the "responsible person" — the individual or organisation accountable for fire safety compliance. The responsible person is typically:
- The employer — if the workplace is their premises
- The person in control of the premises — the owner, occupier, or anyone with control by virtue of a contract or tenancy
- The owner — if no one else has control
In multi-occupied buildings, there may be multiple responsible persons who must coordinate their fire safety efforts.
Key duties of the responsible person
As the responsible person, you must:
- Carry out a fire risk assessment and review it regularly
- Identify fire hazards and people at risk
- Implement appropriate fire safety measures to eliminate or reduce risks
- Provide fire detection and warning systems appropriate to the premises
- Ensure adequate means of escape and keep escape routes clear
- Provide appropriate fire-fighting equipment and ensure it's maintained
- Ensure staff receive fire safety training and information
- Prepare an emergency plan for evacuation
- Maintain and test fire safety systems regularly
- Keep records of your fire safety arrangements
- Cooperate with other responsible persons in multi-occupied buildings
- Appoint competent assistance if you lack expertise
The responsible person has personal liability for fire safety compliance. Even if you delegate tasks to others, ultimate responsibility remains with you. Serious breaches can result in prosecution, unlimited fines, and imprisonment.
Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment is the foundation of fire safety compliance. It's a systematic evaluation of your premises to identify fire hazards, assess who might be at risk, and determine what precautions are needed.
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment examines:
- Sources of ignition — electrical equipment, heating, cooking, smoking, hot work
- Sources of fuel — paper, wood, furniture, flammable liquids, packaging
- Sources of oxygen — air, ventilation systems, oxygen cylinders
- People at risk — employees, visitors, contractors, vulnerable individuals
- Existing fire safety measures — detection, warning, escape routes, extinguishers
- Gaps and improvements needed — what more you need to do
A fire risk assessment is not a one-off task — it's an ongoing process. The written assessment is simply a record of that process at a point in time. You must review and update it regularly.
Who needs a fire risk assessment?
If you're a responsible person under the Fire Safety Order, you need a fire risk assessment. This includes:
- All employers with non-domestic premises
- Landlords and managing agents (for common areas)
- Business owners, regardless of business size
- Managers of public buildings
- Trustees of charitable premises
- Anyone in control of non-domestic premises
Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?
The law requires the assessment to be carried out by a "competent person" — someone with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to identify fire hazards and evaluate risks.
For simple, low-risk premises:
- You may be able to do it yourself using government guides
- Small offices, shops, light industrial units
- No sleeping accommodation or vulnerable occupants
For complex or high-risk premises:
- Use a professional fire risk assessor
- Hotels, care homes, HMOs with sleeping accommodation
- Large or complex buildings
- Premises with vulnerable people
- High fire risk activities
Look for assessors with professional qualifications and third-party certification:
- Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) membership
- BAFE SP205 certification
- Fire Protection Association qualifications
How often should you review the fire risk assessment?
There's no fixed legal requirement, but best practice is:
- At least annually as a minimum
- After any fire or near miss — immediately
- When you make significant changes — new equipment, altered layout, different use
- When the number or type of occupants changes — more people, vulnerable groups
- If you have reason to believe it's no longer valid
Fire Risk Assessment Review Triggers
Full review of fire risk assessment, update findings and action plan
Review following any fire, near miss, or false alarm
Review when premises, processes, or occupancy change significantly
Review after fire service inspection or enforcement action
Check if you need a fire risk assessment with our Fire Safety Checker
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Fire detection and alarm systems provide early warning of fire, giving occupants time to evacuate safely. The type of system you need depends on your premises, occupancy, and fire risk assessment findings.
Types of fire alarm systems
Manual systems (M category):
- Break-glass call points only
- No automatic detection
- Relies on people discovering and reporting fire
- Generally inadequate as the sole system for most premises
Automatic systems (L and P categories):
- Smoke detectors, heat detectors, or multi-sensor devices
- Automatic detection without human intervention
- Essential for sleeping accommodation and most commercial premises
System categories (BS 5839-1)
The British Standard BS 5839-1 defines fire alarm categories:
L-category (Life safety):
- L1 — Detectors in ALL areas (maximum protection)
- L2 — Detectors in escape routes plus high-risk rooms
- L3 — Detectors in escape routes only
- L4 — Detectors in defined escape routes only
- L5 — Custom coverage per fire risk assessment
P-category (Property protection):
- P1 — Full building coverage for property protection
- P2 — Defined areas only
Most commercial premises need at least an L3 system (escape route protection) as a minimum. Sleeping accommodation typically requires L2 or L1. Your fire risk assessment determines the appropriate category.
Testing requirements for fire alarms
Regular testing is essential:
| Test | Frequency | Who | What |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function test | Weekly | Staff member | Activate a different call point each week, check all sounders operate |
| Visual check | Monthly | Staff member | Check control panel for faults, inspect equipment |
| Periodic service | 6-monthly | Competent engineer | Professional inspection, test sample of detectors |
| Full service | Annually | Competent engineer | Test ALL detectors, full system check |
Weekly testing must be recorded in your fire log book. The fire service may ask to see this during inspections. Missing records suggest inadequate maintenance.
Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting illuminates escape routes when normal lighting fails, ensuring people can evacuate safely during a power cut or fire.
When is emergency lighting required?
Emergency lighting is required on:
- All escape route corridors and stairways
- Every final exit door
- Changes of direction or floor level
- High-risk task areas (plant rooms, control rooms)
- Toilet facilities over 8m² or disabled toilets
- Near fire alarm call points and extinguishers
- Windowless rooms regularly occupied
Types of emergency lighting
Non-maintained: Only illuminates during mains failure — suitable for most premises
Maintained: Continuously illuminated — required for places of public entertainment and 24-hour premises
Duration requirements
- Standard premises: Minimum 1 hour
- Sleeping accommodation: Minimum 3 hours
- Places of assembly: Minimum 3 hours
Every final exit must have emergency lighting — no exceptions. If people use that door to escape, it must be illuminated during power failure.
Testing requirements for emergency lighting
| Test | Frequency | Duration | What |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function test | Monthly | Brief (seconds) | Simulate mains failure, check all lights illuminate |
| Duration test | Annually | Full rated duration | Run for 1 or 3 hours, check lights remain on |
| Visual check | Daily | N/A | Check charging indicators show green |
Battery replacement is typically needed every 4-5 years for self-contained units.
Fire Doors
Fire doors are a critical component of passive fire protection. They compartmentalise buildings, contain fire and smoke, and protect escape routes.
Where are fire doors required?
Fire doors are typically required:
- On escape routes (stairways, corridors)
- Between different fire compartments
- Protecting high-risk areas (kitchens, plant rooms, storage)
- Between flats and common areas in residential buildings
- On cupboards containing fire hazards
- As specified in building regulations or fire risk assessment
Fire door ratings
Fire doors are rated by the time they resist fire:
- FD30 — 30 minutes fire resistance (most common in commercial premises)
- FD60 — 60 minutes fire resistance (higher risk areas, care homes)
- FD90/FD120 — Higher ratings for specialist applications
The "S" suffix (e.g., FD30S) indicates the door also provides smoke resistance.
A fire door is only effective if it's properly maintained and closes fully. A fire door wedged open or with damaged seals offers no protection whatsoever.
Fire door inspection requirements
Fire doors should be inspected regularly:
Quarterly visual checks:
- Door closes fully into frame
- Intumescent seals and smoke seals intact
- Self-closer operates correctly
- No damage to door leaf or frame
- Hinges secure (minimum 3 hinges for fire doors)
- Gap between door and frame correct (2-4mm typically)
- No unauthorized modifications
Annual professional inspection:
- Detailed inspection by competent person
- Check certification and fire rating
- Assess condition of all components
- Document findings and required actions
Never wedge fire doors open unless they have automatic release mechanisms linked to the fire alarm. A wedged fire door will allow fire and smoke to spread freely.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers provide first-aid fire-fighting capability, allowing people to tackle small fires in their early stages or to clear an escape route.
Types of fire extinguishers
Different extinguisher types are designed for different fire classes:
| Type | Colour | Use for | Do NOT use for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Red | Paper, wood, textiles (Class A) | Electrical, flammable liquids, cooking oil |
| Foam | Cream | Flammable liquids, paper/wood (Class A & B) | Electrical, cooking oil |
| CO2 | Black | Electrical fires, flammable liquids (Class B) | Paper/wood, cooking oil |
| Dry powder | Blue | Most fires including electrical (A, B, C) | Not ideal indoors (residue, visibility) |
| Wet chemical | Yellow | Cooking oils and fats (Class F) | Electrical |
Placement requirements
Fire extinguishers should be:
- Located on escape routes near exits
- Near identified fire hazards (e.g., kitchen, electrical panels)
- Visible and accessible (not obstructed)
- At a consistent height (handle about 1m from floor)
- Clearly signed if not visible
General guidance:
- Maximum travel distance to an extinguisher: 30 metres
- Minimum provision: typically 2 extinguishers per floor (Class A provision)
- Additional extinguishers for specific hazards (CO2 near electrical, wet chemical in kitchens)
Servicing requirements
| Maintenance | Frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Visual check | Monthly | Staff member |
| Basic service | Annually | Competent person |
| Extended service | Varies by type (5-10 years) | Competent person |
| Hydraulic test | 10 years | Manufacturer or specialist |
Fire extinguishers must be serviced annually by a competent person and bear a current service label. Out-of-date extinguishers may not work when needed and indicate poor fire safety management.
Escape Routes and Signage
Adequate means of escape is fundamental to fire safety. Everyone in your premises must be able to reach a place of safety quickly and without assistance (unless they have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan).
Escape route requirements
Clear and unobstructed:
- Routes must be kept clear at all times
- No storage in corridors or stairways
- Doors must not be locked or obstructed
Adequate width:
- Minimum widths depend on occupancy numbers
- Typically 750mm minimum for low occupancy
- Wider for higher occupancy (1050mm, 1800mm, etc.)
Adequate number:
- Alternative escape routes where travel distances are long
- Single direction travel distances typically 18-25m maximum
- Total travel distances typically 45m maximum
Protected routes:
- Stairways should be protected from fire
- Fire doors to prevent smoke spread
- Emergency lighting throughout
Fire exit signage
Exit signs must:
- Indicate the direction of escape routes
- Be positioned at changes of direction
- Be illuminated or photoluminescent
- Comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations
- Use the standard "running man" pictogram
Sign requirements:
- Green background with white pictogram
- Directional arrows where needed
- Visible from relevant approach directions
- Adequate size for viewing distance
Photoluminescent signs must be adequately "charged" by ambient light to glow in darkness. In areas with low light levels during normal use, illuminated signs are required.
Staff Training
All staff must receive appropriate fire safety training so they know what to do in an emergency. The level of training depends on their role and responsibilities.
Fire safety training requirements
All staff must know:
- The fire hazards in their workplace
- How to raise the alarm
- What to do when they hear the alarm
- Location of escape routes and assembly points
- Location and basic operation of fire extinguishers
- Any specific hazards relevant to their work area
Training should be provided:
- On induction (before they start work in the premises)
- When their role or work area changes
- When fire risks or procedures change
- As refresher training at regular intervals (typically annually)
Fire warden training
Fire wardens (also called fire marshals) need additional training:
Fire warden duties:
- Assist with evacuation
- Check designated areas are clear
- Guide people to assembly points
- Report to the person in charge
- Assist people who need help evacuating
Fire warden training covers:
- Understanding fire behaviour
- Operating fire-fighting equipment
- Evacuation procedures in detail
- Assisting people with disabilities
- Liaising with fire services
- Record keeping and roll calls
You should have enough fire wardens to cover all areas of your premises during all operating hours. Consider shift patterns, holidays, and absences when determining numbers.
Fire drills
Fire drills test your evacuation procedures and staff training:
Frequency:
- At least twice per year (every 6 months)
- More frequently for high-risk premises or sleeping accommodation
- When procedures change or after incidents
What to assess:
- Time to evacuate
- Effectiveness of alarm
- Staff response and awareness
- Fire warden performance
- Any problems with escape routes
- Assembly point procedures
After the drill:
- Debrief with fire wardens
- Document findings
- Address any issues identified
- Update procedures if needed
Record Keeping
Good record keeping demonstrates your commitment to fire safety compliance and provides evidence during fire service inspections.
Fire log book requirements
You should maintain a fire log book (physical or digital) containing:
Fire risk assessment records:
- Current fire risk assessment
- Previous versions (for audit trail)
- Action plans and evidence of completion
- Review dates and outcomes
Testing and maintenance records:
- Fire alarm weekly test records
- Emergency lighting monthly and annual test records
- Fire extinguisher service certificates
- Fire door inspection records
- Any other fire safety equipment maintenance
Training records:
- Staff fire safety training attendance
- Fire warden training records
- Training content and dates
- Refresher training schedule
Fire drill records:
- Date and time of drill
- Evacuation time
- Number of people evacuated
- Any issues identified
- Actions taken to address issues
Incident records:
- Any fires or near misses
- False alarms and causes
- Fire service visits
- Enforcement notices
Keep fire safety records for at least 5 years. Fire authorities may ask to see historical records to verify you've maintained compliance over time.
What records to show the fire service
During an inspection, fire officers may ask to see:
- Your fire risk assessment
- Evidence of implementing the action plan
- Fire alarm test records
- Emergency lighting test records
- Fire extinguisher service certificates
- Staff training records
- Fire drill records
- Fire door inspection records
Having organised, up-to-date records demonstrates good fire safety management and makes inspections much smoother.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fire safety breaches are criminal offences. The Fire Safety Order gives fire authorities extensive enforcement powers, and penalties for non-compliance can be severe.
Enforcement options
Fire and Rescue Services can issue:
Informal advice:
- Recommendations for improvement
- Typically for minor issues
- No formal legal status
Enforcement Notice:
- Requires specific actions within a deadline
- Issued for identified breaches
- Failure to comply is a criminal offence
Prohibition Notice:
- Prohibits or restricts use of premises
- Issued where there's serious risk to life
- Takes effect immediately
- Can close your business
Alterations Notice:
- Requires notification before making changes
- Issued where premises present particular risks
- Ongoing monitoring by fire service
Criminal penalties
Summary conviction (Magistrates' Court):
- Fine up to £5,000 per offence
- Imprisonment up to 6 months
Conviction on indictment (Crown Court):
- Unlimited fine
- Imprisonment up to 2 years
Factors that increase penalties
Courts consider:
- Harm caused — death, serious injury
- Potential harm — how many people were at risk
- Culpability — deliberate breach, reckless disregard
- Previous history — prior warnings or enforcement
- Vulnerable people — children, elderly, disabled
- Commercial motivation — cutting costs, profit over safety
Care home owner sentenced after fatal fire
A care home providing residential accommodation for elderly residents was found to have serious fire safety deficiencies following a fire that killed two residents.
- ✗Fire risk assessment was inadequate and outdated
- ✗Fire alarm system did not cover all areas
- ✗Fire doors were wedged open throughout the building
- ✗Staff had not received fire safety training
- ✗No Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for immobile residents
- ✗Previous fire service warnings had been ignored
The owner was prosecuted for fire safety breaches resulting in deaths. Convicted in Crown Court, they received a 4-year prison sentence and were banned from being a company director. The company was fined £1.5 million. Civil claims from families are ongoing.
Fire safety in premises with vulnerable people is a matter of life and death. The responsible person has personal criminal liability for failures, and the courts impose severe penalties where lives are lost.
Personal liability
If a company commits a fire safety offence, individual officers (directors, managers, company secretaries) can be prosecuted personally if the offence was committed with their:
- Consent — they knew and agreed
- Connivance — they turned a blind eye
- Neglect — they should have known but failed to act
This means you cannot hide behind a corporate structure. Personal liability can result in personal fines, criminal records, and imprisonment.
Sector-Specific Guidance
While this guide covers general fire safety compliance, some sectors have additional requirements:
Care homes and residential care:
- Higher fire alarm categories (typically L1 or L2)
- Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for residents
- Night-time staffing considerations
- CQC registration requirements
Hotels and guest accommodation:
- 3-hour emergency lighting duration
- Fire safety notices in rooms
- Guest information requirements
- Night porter arrangements
Retail premises:
- High occupancy considerations
- Stock storage management
- Customer evacuation procedures
- Trading hours and staffing
Pubs, restaurants, and hospitality:
- Kitchen fire risks and wet chemical extinguishers
- Entertainment and alcohol licensing links
- Crowd management for busy periods
- Beer cellar and storage area risks
Offices:
- Hot desking and changing occupancy
- Server rooms and electrical risks
- Multi-tenancy coordination
We have sector-specific guides available for care homes, retail, offices, pubs, and hotels. Contact us for detailed guidance relevant to your sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there's no fixed legal requirement, best practice is to review your fire risk assessment at least annually. You should also review it immediately after any fire or near miss, when you make significant changes to the premises or how they're used, when occupancy numbers or types change, or if you have any reason to believe it's no longer valid. Sleeping accommodation and high-risk premises may benefit from more frequent reviews.
For simple, low-risk premises (small offices, shops, light industrial units without sleeping accommodation or vulnerable occupants), you may be able to conduct your own assessment using government guides. However, for complex or high-risk premises — particularly those with sleeping accommodation, vulnerable people, or complex layouts — you should use a professional fire risk assessor with appropriate qualifications such as BAFE SP205 certification or IFE membership.
The specific equipment depends on your fire risk assessment, but most non-domestic premises require: an appropriate fire detection and warning system (ranging from simple smoke alarms to comprehensive fire alarm systems), emergency lighting on escape routes, fire extinguishers appropriate to the risks present, fire exit signage, and fire action notices. Premises may also need fire doors, fire blankets, and specialist equipment depending on the hazards present.
Fire alarms should be tested weekly by activating a different call point each week and checking all sounders operate. You should also have the system professionally serviced every 6 months (periodic service) and annually (full service with all detectors tested). All tests must be recorded in your fire log book.
The fire service's response depends on the severity of the issues. For minor problems, they may provide informal advice. For more serious issues, they can issue an Enforcement Notice requiring you to take specific actions within a deadline. If there's a serious risk to life, they can issue a Prohibition Notice that takes immediate effect and may close your premises. Failing to comply with any formal notice is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.
While not always a legal requirement, fire wardens are strongly recommended and expected in most premises. You should have enough fire wardens to ensure all areas can be checked during an evacuation and to assist with managing the process. Consider your premises layout, normal occupancy, shift patterns, and potential absences. Fire wardens need specific training beyond general fire safety awareness.
Next Steps
Fire safety compliance is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-off task. Here's how to ensure you're meeting your duties:
- Assess your current position — Use our Fire Safety Checker to identify potential gaps
- Conduct or review your fire risk assessment — Either yourself (simple premises) or with a professional
- Implement the action plan — Address any identified deficiencies
- Establish testing routines — Weekly alarm tests, monthly emergency lighting checks
- Train your staff — Induction training plus regular refreshers
- Keep good records — Fire log book with all tests, training, and maintenance
- Review regularly — At least annually, or whenever things change
Use our Fire Safety Checker to assess your compliance
Fire safety compliance can be complex, especially for larger or higher-risk premises. A qualified fire risk assessor can conduct a comprehensive review of your premises, identify any gaps in your current arrangements, and provide practical recommendations for achieving full compliance.
Related articles:
- What is a fire risk assessment?
- Fire Safety Order 2005 explained
- Who is the responsible person?
- Fire alarm systems
- Emergency lighting requirements
- Fire door requirements
- Fire extinguisher types
- Fire safety training
Useful tools:
This guide provides general information about fire safety compliance in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate but similar fire safety legislation. Always ensure your fire safety arrangements are based on a proper fire risk assessment specific to your premises. For complex or high-risk premises, seek professional advice from a qualified fire risk assessor.