The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force towards the end of 2006.

Under the Order, anyone who has control in a building or anyone who has a degree of control over certain areas or systems may be designated a "responsible person" for example:

• The employer for those parts of premises they have any control over.
• The managing agent or owner for common parts of a premises or common fire safety equipment such as fire warning systems or sprinklers.
• The occupier of premises that are not workplaces such as a chairperson in a parish hall.
• Any other person who has some control over a part of a premises may be the responsible person in so far as that control extends.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires any person who exercises some level of control in a premises to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk from fire and ensure occupants can safely escape if a fire does occur. In such premises achieving fire safety is often a matter of common sense but you will have to ensure that sufficient time is put aside to work through the necessary steps.

'Management' Regulations (r7,8): The requirements for fire fighting, fire detection, emergency route and exits, and maintenance (r4,5&6) are included in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Therefore fire safety risk assessments have to be carried out as well as other H&S risk assessments taking the above into account.