Significant amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force on 1 January 2025, following the implementation of provisions within the Building Safety Act 2022. The changes affect a wide range of premises, with particular implications for responsible persons managing multi-occupied residential buildings and commercial properties.
Key Changes Under the Amendments
The most significant changes introduced by the 2025 amendments include:
Enhanced Fire Risk Assessment Requirements
Fire risk assessments for premises with more than 10 employees, or premises shared by two or more responsible persons, must now be recorded in full — not merely summarised. This requirement, which previously applied only to premises with five or more employees, significantly expands the documentation burden for smaller businesses operating in shared premises.
Competency Requirements for Fire Risk Assessors
The amendments introduce formal competency requirements for individuals carrying out fire risk assessments on behalf of responsible persons. While the legislation does not mandate specific qualifications, it requires that assessors be able to demonstrate relevant training, experience, and knowledge. This effectively raises the bar for in-house assessors and increases scrutiny of third-party assessment providers.
Resident Engagement in Residential Buildings
For multi-occupied residential buildings, responsible persons must now establish and maintain a system for engaging with residents on fire safety matters. This includes providing residents with information about fire safety measures, evacuation procedures, and the outcomes of fire risk assessments in accessible formats.
Implications for Responsible Persons
The term "responsible person" under the Fire Safety Order refers to the employer in workplaces, or the person in control of premises in non-workplace settings. Responsible persons who fail to comply with the amended Order face enforcement action from the local fire and rescue authority, including enforcement notices, prohibition notices, and prosecution.
Penalties for non-compliance include unlimited fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment of up to two years. The fire and rescue authorities have indicated that they will be conducting targeted inspections during 2025 to assess compliance with the new requirements.
Training Implications
The enhanced competency requirements for fire risk assessors and the increased documentation obligations mean that many organisations will need to invest in fire safety training. Abertay Training offers Fire Safety Trainer qualifications that equip individuals to deliver compliant fire safety training programmes within their organisations.