The fire risk assessment must focus on the safety of ‘all relevant persons’ in case of fire and identify any potential fire hazards within the premises. Fire risks must be reduced or removed and a clear plan drawn up of not only how to prevent fire, but how people will be kept safe in case of fire. This should include: the provision of a fire-detection and warning system, adequate escape routes, the provision of fire-fighting precautions such as fire extinguishers, the correct type and amount of fire notices, emergency lighting and fire safety training for staff.

Employers with five staff or more are now legally obliged to keep a record of any fire hazards identified and the actions taken to reduce or remove them. Moreover, fire risk assessments need to be reviewed regularly as the risks may change over time. If circumstances change significantly or substantial changes are made to the fire prevention plan, others who share the premises must be informed and, where appropriate, staff retained. Responsibility for the enforcement of the new Order lies with local fire and rescue authorities who are tasked with carrying out regular inspections and prioritising those premises deemed to represent the highest fire risk.  Employers who fail to comply with the new legislation should be warned – they could risk substantial fines or even up to two years’ imprisonment if they do not carry out a fire risk assessment of their premises.