The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England & Wales, the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire & Rescue Service (NI) Order 2006 emphasise the importance of preventing fires and reducing risk. 

The designated responsible person must conduct, or employ a suitably qualified person to conduct, a fire risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire safety plan. Companies can be NSI approved to complete this assessment. 

By contracting an NSI Fire Gold or Fire Silver approved company you can ensure the requirements of the legislation relevant to fire protection systems are met.

The Fire Safety Order requires that employers designate a ‘responsible person’ to carry out fire risk assessments that include the safety of employees and visitors to the site, employees’ job security and the environmental impact.

Fire certificates are no longer being issued as each individual company is responsible for fire safety. All businesses employing more than five people or licensed premises must conduct a Fire Risk Assessment that must be documented. Fire officers have the authority to gain access to premises and remove samples following a fire.

Organisations should contract with a competent supplier, relevant to fire safety products and services, who has 'the appropriate skills and experience'. They should have proof of this so that it can be produced at an inspection, pre or post incident. Certification provided by an NSI Fire Gold or Fire Silver approved company achieves this.

Find out more:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England & Wales 
• Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 in Scotland.
• Fire & Rescue Service (NI) Order 2006 in Northern Ireland.