Fire Risk Assessments

In 2006 any Landlord letting a property of 3 storeys or more or housing 5 unrelated people has to have a Local Authority accredited Landlord's License.

The following must be complied with in order to get a license:

•  The Fire Alarm System must be brought up to current standards BS5839 Pt 1 2002 or BS5839 Pt6 2004.
•  The correct Fire Fighting Equipment must be installed in accordance to BS EN3 and BS EN 1896 (1997)
•  All escape routes must have emergency lighting in accordance to BS5266 pt 1 2005 and pt8 2004.

Fire safety law and guidance documents for business

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). The law applies to you if you are:

• responsible for business premises
• an employer or self-employed with business premises
• responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes
• a charity or voluntary organisation
• a contractor with a degree of control over any premises
• providing accommodation for paying guests

Under the FSO, the responsible person must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire management plan. Further information on what you need to do when carrying out a risk assessment is available in the 5-step fire risk assessment checklist below.

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 (see link on right). The more technical guidance documents have been produced with specific types of business premises in mind.

If, having completed a fire risk assessment, you need more practical advice or information, you local Fire and Rescue Authority may be able to help. You may feel more comfortable employing a fire safety specialist to help you. Companies providing fire safety services are listed in local directories. Details of companies which are members of a registered scheme are available, for example on the Institution of Fire Engineers website: www.ife.org.uk/frr (external link). Alternatively you may be able to ask your insurer for a recommendation.

For further advice or information please call us on 020 8930 5668