Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, explained
Reviewed by the SPS Technical team · Last checked 12 October 2026
Quick answer
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the main fire safety law for non-domestic premises in England and Wales. It makes a Responsible Person, usually the employer, owner or managing agent, accountable for carrying out a fire risk assessment and for keeping fire safety systems such as fire alarms and emergency lighting maintained. Since 1 October 2023 every business must record its fire risk assessment in full.
What it means for you
- Know who the Responsible Person is for each of your premises.
- Have a suitable fire risk assessment, recorded in full, and review it regularly and after changes.
- Keep fire alarms, emergency lighting and other fire safety equipment maintained, with records.
- Share fire safety information with other Responsible Persons in shared buildings.
Who it applies to
Almost all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, and the common parts of blocks of flats. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own fire safety laws.
Common questions
Who is the Responsible Person?
Usually the employer for a workplace, or the owner or managing agent where the premises are not a workplace. There can be more than one in a shared building.
Does the law say how often a fire alarm must be serviced?
The Order says systems must be maintained in efficient working order. It does not set an interval itself; following BS 5839-1, which recommends a service at least every six months, is the recognised way to meet that duty.
Do I have to write down my fire risk assessment?
Yes. Since 1 October 2023 every business must record its fire risk assessment in full, regardless of size.
Official sources
This page is a plain-English summary, not a copy of the official document.
Reviewed by the SPS Technical team · Last updated October 2026