Guide
Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order Guide
By Fire Risk Experts editorial team. Reviewed by Fire safety editorial reviewer. Last reviewed: 19 July 2026. Last updated: 19 July 2026. Next review: 19 January 2027.
A practical guide to how the Fire Safety Order relates to responsible persons and fire risk assessments.
Direct answer
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the main fire safety framework for many non-domestic premises in England and Wales and is central to responsible person duties.
Key takeaways
- The Order applies to many workplaces and non-domestic premises in England and Wales.
- It places duties on responsible persons.
- Fire Risk Experts provides guidance, not legal advice.
Fire Risk Assessments pillar
This guide is part of the Fire Risk Assessments pillar. Use it alongside related guidance and property-specific pages when preparing an enquiry.
What to prepare
- Property address, postcode, use and occupancy details.
- Existing fire risk assessment and action plan, if available.
- Fire alarm, emergency lighting, extinguisher and fire-door records where held.
- Information about sleeping accommodation, vulnerable occupants or unusual risks.
Sources
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, legislation.gov.uk. Accessed 2026-07-19. Primary legislation for general fire safety duties in England and Wales.
- Fire safety: guidance for those with legal duties, Home Office. Accessed 2026-07-19. Collection of fire safety law and guidance for responsible persons.
- Fire safety in the workplace, GOV.UK. Accessed 2026-07-19. Responsibilities for employers, owners, landlords, occupiers and others with control of non-domestic premises.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fire Risk Experts legal advice?
No. The site provides general guidance and lead-generation introductions only.
Who is the responsible person?
It is commonly an employer, owner, landlord, occupier, managing agent or another person with control.
Need a quote?
Send the practical details and we will review the enquiry for suitable provider matching.
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Fire Risk Assessments
Arrange a fire risk assessment enquiry for review and provider matching.
Next step
Need help arranging an assessment?
Book online when the scope, price and fulfilment route are clear, or request a tailored quote where professional scoping is needed.
An assessor is not treated as appointed until they accept the assignment.