Absolute Health and Safety Solutions Ltd - Fire Safety: The Role of the Responsible Person

Who is your workplace's nominated Responsible Person for fire safety? Do they have a clear understanding of their role, responsibilities and duties? Do they have the necessary levels of training and support enabling them to carry out their role?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every workplace must have a Responsible Person. This is the employee which the fire authorities will need to speak to in the event of any issue involving fire safety. They have an important degree of control over fire-prevention systems within your premises.

The Responsible Person is in charge of ensuring that everyone on the premises (employees, visitors, members of the public) can safely escape in the event of a fire. They must pay particular attention to anyone needing special help, such as disabled people, the elderly or children.

The Responsible Person's role includes:
- making sure that a full fire-risk assessment to identify possible hazards
- assessing particular areas of risk such as employees (disabled members of staff) or materials (chemicals, inflammables)
- making a plan to deal with emergencies
- recording and reviewing their findings

Full details of the Responsible Person's duties can be seen at the links below (See Part 2 'Fire Safety Duties' from www.opsi.gov.uk).
The local fire authority or other enforcing authority must be kept informed of the safety measures put in place by the Responsible Person, and must be happy with them. This is generally undertaken by ensuring a suitable, sufficient and up-to-date fire risk assessment has been completed.

It is critical that the role of Responsible Person is reflected in your health and safety arrangements and policy documentation. Absolute Health and Safety Solutions can practically assist you or your Responsible Person with the explanation and fulfillment of any duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Read further information at the Absolute Health and Safety Solutions website www.businessinberkshire.co.uk/absolutehss/extra75.html

FAQ on www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/firesafetylaw/frequentlyaskedquestions/
Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 1541, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051541.htm

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