Responsible person
The concept of a responsible person was introduced by the now annulled Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order defines ‘responsible person’ as follows.
In this Order ‘responsible person’ means—
"(a) in relation to a workplace, the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his control;
(b) in relation to any premises not falling within paragraph (a)—
i. the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on by him of a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not); or
ii. the owner, where the person in control of the premises does have control in connection with the carrying on by that person of a trade, business or other undertaking."
CommentaryThe responsible person could be the employer, building owner, building operator or any other person who may have control of any part of the premises, e.g. a tenant or occupier. The requirement to complete a suitable and sufficient assessment applies irrespective of the whether the premises are being operated for commercial gain / to make a profit. For example, a charity having control of all or part of premises would still need to complete a fire risk assessment.
The Regulatory Reform(Fire Safety) Order applies to the following places which were previously not covered:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order does not apply to:
