Glossary — Fire Safety Law
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The RRO 2005 is the primary fire safety law for non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It replaced over 70 separate pieces of legislation with a single risk-based framework — placing a legal duty on the responsible person to assess and manage fire risk, rather than simply comply with a prescribed checklist.
Core principle
The RRO 2005 is risk-based, not prescription-based. There is no single set of rules — the required fire safety measures are proportionate to the specific risks identified in the fire risk assessment. This places judgment — and legal liability — directly on the responsible person.
Responsible person duties under the RRO 2005
| Duty | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fire risk assessment | Carry out and review a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment; record findings if 5+ employees or premises licensed |
| Fire safety measures | Implement and maintain fire precautions identified by the assessment — alarms, escape routes, extinguishers, fire doors |
| Staff training | Provide fire safety information and training to all employees; ensure fire wardens are appointed and trained |
| Emergency procedures | Establish procedures for evacuation; ensure procedures are rehearsed via fire drills |
| Maintenance | Maintain all fire safety equipment in efficient working order; keep records of maintenance |
| Cooperation | If multiple responsible persons share a premises, cooperate and coordinate fire safety measures |
The five-step fire risk assessment
The fire risk assessment is the foundation of RRO 2005 compliance. The five steps are: identify hazards (sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen); identify who is at risk (employees, visitors, sleeping occupants); evaluate risk and implement measures; record findings and implement actions; and review and update. The assessment is not a one-off document — any significant change to the premises, occupancy, or processes requires a review. For a practical walkthrough, see our fire risk assessment guide.
Enforcement
Fire and rescue services are the primary enforcement authority under the RRO 2005. They conduct inspections — particularly following incidents, complaints, or in high-risk premises categories. The enforcement regime runs from informal advice, through enforcement notices, to prohibition notices (which can close a premises immediately) and criminal prosecution. Prosecution data published by fire services consistently shows that failure to carry out a fire risk assessment and obstruction of escape routes are the most common criminal charges.
For workplace-specific practical guidance, see our fire safety in the workplace guide. For HMO landlord duties, see our escape routes for HMOs guide.
Changes introduced by the Fire Safety Act 2022 and Building Safety Act 2022
The Fire Safety Act 2022 confirmed that the RRO 2005 applies to the external walls, structure, and individual flat entrance doors of multi-occupancy residential buildings — closing a gap identified after the Grenfell Tower fire. The Building Safety Act 2022 created a new regime for higher-risk buildings (over 18 m or 7 storeys), including a requirement for a Building Safety Case and a named Building Safety Manager.
Frequently asked questions
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