We conduct fire safety inspections on business premises to ensure they comply with the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (2005). The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 applies to virtually all non-domestic premises in England and Wales.

Often referred to as the Fire Safety Order, or the RRO, this places greater emphasis on fire prevention in non-domestic premises including open-air events. It covers ‘general fire precautions’ and other fire safety duties which are needed to protect people in case of fire in and around most premises.The Order requires fire precautions to be put in place ‘where necessary’ and to the extent that it is reasonable and practicable in the circumstances of the case.

An audit is likely to involve a visit from one of our Fire Safety Inspectors. They will assess the workplace, the activities undertaken there and your management of fire safety. This will include an audit of your fire risk assessment. Audits are carried out following nationally agreed guidelines so that any advice given to you is consistent and proportionate to any risk in your premises.

Our inspectors carry out audits in a fair and open manner in accordance with the Enforcement Policy Statement.  Any advice given to you will be put simply and will be confirmed in writing if required.

Where breaches in fire safety legislation are found, an inspector can take action in several ways. Minor issues may be dealt with informally by offering help and advice. For more serious matters, a formal notice may be issued or the most serious cases may require measures to enforce the law there and then.

Fire safety inspectors

All fire safety inspectors are issued with a written warrant which will be shown to you on request. This warrant gives the inspector certain powers in accordance with Article 27 of the Fire Safety Order (2005).

All our staff carry identification cards which may be verified by calling our fire service headquarters HQ on: 023 8064 4000

Documentation required during the inspection

During the audit the inspector will need to view the following documents where applicable to your premises:

  • Fire Risk Assessment
  • Written fire safety arrangements (Policies and Procedures detailing the effective planning, organisation and control of fire safety matters).
  • Fire Precautions Log Book
  • Records of Staff Training and Fire Drills
  • Records of Testing and Maintenance of Firefighting Equipment (Extinguishers)
  • Records of Testing and Maintenance for All Fire Safety Systems Including Fire Alarms, Emergency Lighting, Sprinkler Systems and Smoke Ventilation Systems,
  • Portable Appliance Testing, Electrical installation condition report (EICR), Cleaning and Maintenance of Kitchen extract and filter systems.

Fire safety standards within the building

As part of the audit the inspector may wish to monitor the fire safety standards in all or part of the building.The inspector may also wish to talk to members of staff to confirm their level of fire safety awareness.

More information

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