In the UK, the responsible person has specific fire safety duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These duties include:
1. **Conducting Fire Risk Assessments**: The responsible person must carry out regular fire risk assessments. They identify potential fire hazards, evaluate risks, and implement measures to mitigate those risks.
2. **Implementing Fire Safety Measures**: Based on the findings of the risk assessment, the responsible person must ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place. These include fire detection, alarm systems, and firefighting equipment.
3. ** Fire Safety Equipment**: Regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire safety equipment (alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting) takes place. This ensures they are in working order.
4. **Creating and Maintaining an Emergency Plan**: The responsible person should develop a fire emergency plan outlining evacuation procedures. They will make sure it is communicated to all occupants.
Staff
5. **Training and Informing Staff**: Providing fire safety training to employees is essential. This ensures they are aware of fire risks, safety procedures, and how to respond in an emergency.
6. **Ensuring Safe Evacuation Routes**: The responsible person must ensure that escape routes are clear, well-marked, and accessible. This facilitates safe evacuation during a fire.
7. **Recording Fire Safety Arrangements**: Keeping written records of the fire risk assessment, fire safety measures, staff training, and maintenance of fire safety equipment is crucial for accountability. It is also important for compliance.
8. **Cooperating with Other Responsible Persons**: When the premises share common areas with other buildings (like in an HMO), the responsible person must coordinate fire safety measures. Coordination with other parties involved is essential.
9. **Reviewing Fire Safety Measures**: Regularly reviewing and updating fire safety measures and risk assessments is necessary. The need is important when there are changes in the premises or its use.
10. **Reporting to the Fire and Rescue Service**: When fire safety issues are identified, the responsible person will ensure that the relevant fire authorities are notified. By fulfilling these duties, the responsible person helps ensure the safety of all occupants. Compliance with fire safety regulations in the UK is also achieved.