What is the primary piece of fire safety legislation for non-domestic premises in England and Wales?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) is the primary piece of fire safety legislation covering all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It replaced over 70 pieces of previous fire safety legislation and introduced a risk-based approach. The RRFSO places the duty for fire safety on the 'responsible person' rather than the fire authority, requiring them to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO)

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Who is defined as the 'responsible person' under the RRFSO 2005?

Under Article 3 of the RRFSO 2005, the 'responsible person' is the employer (if the workplace is to any extent under their control), or in relation to any other premises, the person who has control of the premises in connection with carrying on a trade, business, or other undertaking. In shared premises, there may be multiple responsible persons who must cooperate and coordinate fire safety measures under Article 22.

The local fire and rescue authority for the area in which the premises are situated

Any competent fire risk assessor engaged to carry out the fire risk assessment

The employer, or in relation to premises not connected with work, the person who has control of the premises

The most senior fire marshal appointed at the premises

What does Article 9 of the RRFSO 2005 require the responsible person to do?

Article 9 of the RRFSO 2005 requires the responsible person to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed for the purpose of identifying the general fire precautions they need to take. The assessment must be reviewed regularly, particularly when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates. Where five or more people are employed, the significant findings must be recorded.

Install sprinklers in all premises

Register the premises with the local fire authority

Employ a full-time fire marshal

Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment

Free mock exam

Fire Safety Legislation — Fire Safety Practice

Free topic-focused mock exam: 15 random questions from a pool of 40 on Fire Safety Legislation, drawn from the wider Fire Safety bank. 20-minute timer, 70% to pass, worked explanation on every question. Use this when you've taken the full mock once and want to drill the topics you got wrong.

Questions: 15
Time limit: 20
Pass mark: 70%
Bank size: 40

Free · no sign-up · timer can be ignored · retake as many times as you want

Sample questions

01What is the primary piece of fire safety legislation for non-domestic premises in England and Wales?
- A.The Fire Precautions Act 1971
- B.The Building Safety Act 2022
- C.The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO)
- D.The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Why: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) is the primary piece of fire safety legislation covering all non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It replaced over 70 pieces of previous fire safety legislation and introduced a risk-based approach. The RRFSO places the duty for fire safety on the 'responsible person' rather than the fire authority, requiring them to carry out a fire risk assessment and implement appropriate fire safety measures.
02Who is defined as the 'responsible person' under the RRFSO 2005?
- A.The local fire and rescue authority for the area in which the premises are situated
- B.The most senior fire marshal appointed at the premises
- C.Any competent fire risk assessor engaged to carry out the fire risk assessment
- D.The employer, or in relation to premises not connected with work, the person who has control of the premises
Why: Under Article 3 of the RRFSO 2005, the 'responsible person' is the employer (if the workplace is to any extent under their control), or in relation to any other premises, the person who has control of the premises in connection with carrying on a trade, business, or other undertaking. In shared premises, there may be multiple responsible persons who must cooperate and coordinate fire safety measures under Article 22.
03What does Article 9 of the RRFSO 2005 require the responsible person to do?
- A.Employ a full-time fire marshal
- B.Register the premises with the local fire authority
- C.Install sprinklers in all premises
- D.Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment
Why: Article 9 of the RRFSO 2005 requires the responsible person to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to which relevant persons are exposed for the purpose of identifying the general fire precautions they need to take. The assessment must be reviewed regularly, particularly when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change in the matters to which it relates. Where five or more people are employed, the significant findings must be recorded.

FAQ

Is the Fire Safety Legislation mock exam free?

Yes — 100% free, no sign-up needed. Questions are pulled at random from a substantial bank, with a worked explanation on every question after you submit.

Can I retake the mock exam?

Yes. Every attempt picks a different random selection and reshuffles the options, so each retake gives you genuinely new questions. No limit on retakes.

Does this count towards the real qualification?

No — this is independent practice material. To gain the actual qualification you need to sit the official assessment through an approved provider.