The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) came into effect in October 2006 and replaced over 70 pieces of fire safety law.
The FSO applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including the common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Similar provisions came into effect in Scotland, via the Fire Safety (Scotland) Act 2005.
Under the FSO, the responsible person must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire management plan.
In addition, more detailed advice and guidance on the implementation of a fire risk management plan can be found in the series of guidance documents available below or on the Fire Gateway website http://www.fire.gov.uk/Workplace+safety.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - A short guide to making your premises safe from fire
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Offices and Shops
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Factories and Warehouses
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Sleeping Accommodation
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Residential Care Premises
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Educational Premises
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Small and Medium Places of Assembly
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Large Places of Assembly
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Theatres, Cinemas and Similar Premises
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Open Air Events and Venues
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Healthcare premises
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Transport Premises and Facilities
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Means of Escape for Disabled People (Supplementary Guide)
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Animal Premises and Stables
The Fire & Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2006
These Regulations are expected to came into force in 2009 and replaced all existing legislation. This follows the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which is in effect already in England and Wales, and the Fire Scotland Act 2005 in Scotland.