What does the Responsible Person have to do?

Who is the Responsible Person?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it's usually the employer, the owner, or whoever has control of the premises. In a block of flats, it's usually the freeholder or managing agent for the common parts. There can be more than one.

The main duties

• Have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, and review it regularly
• Put the fire safety measures it identifies in place: detection and alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors, extinguishers, signage and clear escape routes
• Keep those measures maintained and in working order
• Have an emergency plan, and give people the information and training they need
• Keep records that show it's being done

What "maintained" means in practice

Servicing by a competent person at the intervals the British Standards recommend, routine checks on site, and faults fixed promptly. For example, six-monthly fire alarm servicing and an annual emergency lighting test.

What happens if it isn't done

Fire and rescue services can inspect premises and issue notices requiring improvements. Serious failures can lead to prosecution. Insurers may also look closely at maintenance records after a claim.

Make it simple

One contractor, one visit plan, one certificate pack and one renewal date covers most of the maintenance side. Fire and security for businesses or for property managers.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Your fire risk assessment sets out what applies to your premises.