Definition
Emergency Response Standard
An Emergency Response Standard is a risk-based target that sets the required response time and minimum number of firefighting staff to attend emergency incidents. Each UK fire and rescue service sets its own standards based on local risk assessment and publishes them in its Integrated Risk Management Plan.
Related Terms
- BS 5839Fire Regulations & StandardsBS 5839 is the British Standard covering the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in the UK. It is published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is divided into multiple parts, each covering specific building types or system components.View definition
- Responsible Person (Fire Safety)Fire Regulations & StandardsThe responsible person is the individual or organisation with control of a non-domestic premises who, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire, protect occupants, and maintain fire safety measures — including carrying out or commissioning a suitable fire risk assessment.View definition
- Fire Safety ProtectionFire Regulations & StandardsFire safety protection is the activity undertaken by fire and rescue services to advise, inspect, and enforce fire safety standards in regulated premises, primarily under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Protection officers audit premises, issue enforcement notices, and prosecute non-compliant duty holders.View definition
- His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue ServicesFire Regulations & StandardsHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) is the independent body that assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of police forces and fire and rescue services in England, publishing inspection reports to hold services publicly accountable.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
An Emergency Response Standard is a risk-based target that sets the required response time and minimum number of firefighting staff to attend emergency incidents. Each UK fire and rescue service sets its own standards based on local risk assessment and publishes them in its Integrated Risk Management Plan.
Requirements for emergency response standard in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Emergency Response Standard and BS 5839 are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to emergency response standard. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.