Business advice sheet

Fire risk assessment guides

Fire safety law changed in October 2006 with the introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The requirement for businesses to have fire certificates has been abolished and any previously held are no longer valid.

Instead, the law:

• Emphasises the prevention of fires and reduction of risk
• Makes it your responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone who uses your premises and those in the immediate vicinity

Guides have been developed to help you to carry out a fire risk assessment and identify the general fire precautions you need to have in place. This booklet provides simple and practical advice to people responsible for fire safety in small and medium-sized businesses: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - A short guide to making your premises safe from fire.

The following risk assessment guides will help you determine which risk assessment is right for your business.

• Fire Safety Risk Assessments:
  • Offices and shops
  • Factories and warehouses
  • Sleeping accommodation
  • Residential care premises
  • Educational premises
  • Small and medium places of assembly
  • Large places of assembly
  • Theatres, cinemas and similar premises
  • Open-air events and venues
  • Healthcare premises
  • Transport premises and facilities
  • Animal premises and stables
  • Means of escape for disabled people (supplementary guide)

Useful links

Information for owners of bed and breakfasts, guest houses and self-catering properties.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions about fire safety legislation and businesses.