Definition
The 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.
Terms mentioned in this definition
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Find a BFC memberThe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) defines the responsible person as:
In practice, this means the responsible person is typically the employer for an office or factory, the managing agent for a commercial building, the owner for a rented commercial property, or the residents' management company or landlord for a multi-occupied residential building. A premises can have more than one responsible person — for example, a tenant and a landlord may each have duties over different parts of the building.
Under the RRO, the responsible person must:
The fire risk assessment is the cornerstone of the responsible person's duties. It must identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and recommend and implement measures to reduce that risk to as low as reasonably practicable. The assessment must be reviewed regularly — immediately after a fire, after significant building changes, or if there is any reason to believe it is no longer valid.
The RRO does not require a fire risk assessment to be in writing unless there are five or more employees, a licence condition, or an alterations notice is in force. However, maintaining a written record is strongly recommended as evidence of due diligence.
Failure to comply with the RRO is a criminal offence. The fire and rescue authority can issue:
High-profile prosecutions have resulted in prison sentences for responsible persons who failed to maintain adequate fire safety, particularly following fatal fires. Personal liability cannot be avoided by delegation — the responsible person remains accountable.
The British Fire Consortium's member companies include fire risk assessors, fire alarm engineers, fire door inspection specialists, and fire extinguisher service providers. Whether you need a fire risk assessment for the first time or a full programme of ongoing fire safety maintenance, use the BFC member directory to find a vetted, qualified specialist near you.
The 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.
Requirements for responsible person (fire safety) 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.
Responsible Person (Fire Safety) and Fire Door Inspection 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 responsible person (fire safety). 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.
