Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety?
Fire safety responsibility is often misunderstood, particularly in workplaces and shared buildings. UK fire safety law places clear duties on specific people, but those duties can vary depending on how a premises is owned, occupied, and managed. The FAQs below explain who holds responsibility and what that means in practice.
Who is legally responsible for fire safety?
In most non-domestic premises, fire safety responsibility sits with the responsible person. This is defined under UK fire safety legislation as the individual who has control of the premises or a degree of control over activities carried out there.
Depending on the situation, this could be an employer, building owner, landlord, managing agent, or occupier. Responsibility is based on control rather than job title.
What does the “responsible person” have to do?
The responsible person must take reasonable steps to reduce fire risk and protect people if a fire occurs. This includes ensuring that appropriate fire safety measures are in place and maintained. Key duties typically include arranging a fire risk assessment, implementing recommended actions, maintaining fire protection systems, and ensuring staff are aware of fire procedures.
Can more than one person be responsible?
Yes. In some buildings, fire safety responsibility is shared. This is common in multi-occupied premises, such as office buildings, industrial units, or residential blocks with communal areas.
Where responsibilities overlap, duty holders are expected to cooperate and coordinate their fire safety arrangements. Each responsible person is accountable for the areas and activities under their control.
What about landlords and tenants?
Fire safety responsibility is often split between landlords and tenants. Landlords are usually responsible for common areas and the structure of the building. Tenants are responsible for fire safety within their leased space. The exact division of responsibility depends on lease terms and how the premises are managed.
Are employees responsible for fire safety?
Employees do not carry legal responsibility in the same way as the responsible person, but they do have duties. Staff are expected to follow fire safety procedures, report hazards, and cooperate with training and evacuation arrangements.
Employers must ensure employees receive suitable instruction so they can meet these expectations safely.
Who enforces fire safety law?
Fire safety law is enforced by the local fire and rescue authority. Inspecting officers have the power to review fire risk assessments, inspect premises, and issue enforcement notices where standards are not met.
Failure to comply can result in formal action, including fines or prosecution, particularly where serious risk to life is identified.
How can responsibility be clarified?
The most effective way to clarify responsibility is through a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. This process identifies who is responsible, what measures are required, and where improvements are needed. Clear documentation helps demonstrate compliance and verifies duties are understood across all parties involved.
Getting Support with Fire Safety Responsibilities
Understanding who is responsible for fire safety is essential for legal compliance and risk management. To review your duties or arrange a professional fire risk assessment, contact Fire Safety Compliance. This allows responsibilities to be clarified and appropriate fire safety measures to be put in place with confidence.
