How does the Law apply? 

For all non-domestic premises, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that all responsible persons (employers, owners, hirer or group leaders) ensure that all relevant people are protected from fire within any premises. Particularly for camps and overnight events you must ensure that the premises is fit for purpose and that it is safe from fire risks and that reasonable precautions are in place.

If the premises is going to be used for overnight accommodation, you need to take the following into consideration including ensuring that there is a suitable and sufficient fire alarm system in place and that exit routes are protected. There should be a sufficient number of fire exits which lead to a place of safety which are not blocked and easily openable without the use of a key. Fire safety equipment, such as alarm systems or fire extinguishers should be regularly tested and maintained. It also may be a condition to notify insurers of the premises (as well as the organisations insurers) or the local building control as to a change of use for the premises.

What are my key duties under the Fire Safety Order (FSO)?

• Conduct a fire risk assessment and keep it updated
• Ensure fire alarms are tested, audible, and functioning
• Check escape routes are unobstructed, signed, and operational
• Make sure there are adequate numbers of fire extinguishers and emergency lighting (if required) and that these are present, accessible and maintained
• Brief all leaders and participants on fire safety arrangements

Complying with the FSO is a legal requirement. Failure to do so could endanger participants and may constitute an offence under the Order.

Some of the Key tasks which you will need to undertake:

• Fire risk assessment completed & documented – is the premises suitable for the occupancy numbers? or distances to final exits appropriate?
• Fire alarm system tested & audible throughout
• Escape routes clear, signed, doors easily opened
• Emergency lighting operational (if required)
• Fire extinguishers present, in date, accessible
• Assembly point identified and communicated as part of a fire safety brief
• Cooking arrangements assessed for fire risk
• Electrical equipment checked and safe
• Sleeping arrangements do not block exits
• Emergency contact numbers available & mobile charged
• What emergency evacuation provisions will you need for adults or children with different needs, disabilities or vulnerabilities?
• Notification sent to HWFRS Protection Team Protection-TFS@hwfire.org.uk

Important Information!

As the Fire Service is the enforcing authority for fire safety legislation, we cannot carry out a fire risk assessment for you nor recommend individual fire risk assessors, however:

• You can use the Guide to Choosing a Competent Fire Risk Assessor to help select a qualified assessor.
• Accredited assessors can be found through professional bodies such as the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE).
• For simple premises, the government provides a Fire Safety Risk Assessment: 5-Step Checklist.
• For broader guidance, see Fire Safety: Guidance for Those with Legal Duties.