UK Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order Responsible Person Compliance Audit [FREE PDF]

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on the Responsible Person to ensure fire safety across non-domestic premises in England and Wales. This audit checklist verifies that all statutory obligations under the RRO 2005 are met, including fire risk assessment currency, staff training records, and emergency planning documentation. Non-compliance can result in enforcement notices, prohibition orders, or criminal prosecution under Article 32 of the RRO 2005.

  • Industry: UK Commercial Property
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Role: Responsible Person
  • Total Items: 35
  • Compliance: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Articles 9-22, PAS 79:2020 Fire Risk Assessments – Guidance and Recommendations, BS 9999:2017 Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Buildings, BS 5839-1:2017 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems, Fire Safety Act 2021

Fire Risk Assessment

Verify that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is in place, documented, and reviewed in accordance with the RRO 2005.

  • Has a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment been carried out by a competent person?
  • Is the fire risk assessment documented and available on the premises?
  • Has the fire risk assessment been reviewed within the last 12 months or following a significant change?
  • Does the fire risk assessment identify all relevant fire hazards and persons at risk?
  • Are all actions identified in the fire risk assessment recorded and tracked to completion?

Fire Prevention and General Fire Precautions

Inspect housekeeping, ignition sources, and general fire prevention measures across the premises.

  • Are all escape routes, corridors, and stairwells free from combustible materials and obstructions?
  • Is waste and combustible material stored safely away from ignition sources and escape routes?
  • Are all electrical installations and portable appliances subject to regular inspection and testing?
  • Is smoking prohibited in all areas where it poses a fire risk, with adequate external provision?
  • Are any hazardous substances or dangerous goods stored in accordance with relevant regulations?

Fire Detection and Alarm System

Assess the adequacy, maintenance, and testing regime of the fire detection and alarm system.

  • Is a fire detection and alarm system installed appropriate to the premises risk level?
  • Is the fire alarm system tested weekly by the Responsible Person or appointed person?
  • Is the fire alarm system subject to a service contract with a competent contractor for at least two inspections per year?
  • Is a fire alarm logbook maintained on site with records of all tests, faults, and maintenance visits?
  • Are all fire alarm sounders and alert devices audible throughout the building including toilets and plant rooms?

Means of Escape and Emergency Lighting

Verify that means of escape are adequate, signed, and illuminated in accordance with statutory requirements.

  • Are all fire exit doors operational, unobstructed, and openable from the inside without a key during occupancy?
  • Are all fire exit routes and assembly points clearly signed with appropriate fire safety signs?
  • Is emergency escape lighting installed and tested monthly with six-monthly full discharge tests?
  • Is the travel distance to the nearest exit within the limits specified for the occupancy type?
  • Are evacuation routes for persons with reduced mobility or disabilities identified and documented?

Firefighting Equipment and Facilities

Inspect the provision, condition, and servicing of firefighting equipment and facilities for use by occupants and the fire service.

  • Are appropriate types and numbers of fire extinguishers provided based on the fire risk assessment?
  • Have all fire extinguishers been serviced annually by a competent person with service labels attached?
  • Are firefighting equipment locations clearly signed and equipment visible and accessible?
  • Where fitted, are hose reels, dry/wet risers, and sprinkler systems subject to periodic inspection and maintenance?

Fire Safety Training and Drills

Confirm that all staff receive adequate fire safety training and that evacuation drills are conducted as required.

  • Do all new employees receive fire safety induction training before commencing unsupervised work?
  • Is fire safety refresher training provided to all staff at least annually?
  • Are fire wardens / marshals appointed, trained to an appropriate standard, and sufficient in number?
  • Is a fire evacuation drill conducted at least once every 12 months with outcomes recorded?
  • Are training records and drill reports maintained and available for inspection by the fire authority?

Emergency Planning and Procedures

Review the documented emergency plan, evacuation procedures, and coordination with the fire service.

  • Is a written emergency plan in place outlining fire procedures, roles, and actions for all foreseeable scenarios?
  • Is the emergency plan communicated to all employees and relevant third parties including contractors and tenants?
  • Is a nominated assembly point designated, clearly signed, and known to all occupants?
  • Is a procedure in place to account for all occupants at the assembly point following evacuation?
  • Is there a procedure for liaising with and providing information to the fire service on arrival?
  • Notes and observations from this compliance audit

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Why Use This UK Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order Responsible Person Compliance Audit [FREE PDF]?

This uk regulatory reform fire safety order responsible person compliance audit [free pdf] helps uk commercial property teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for responsible person professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.

Ensures compliance with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Articles 9-22, PAS 79:2020 Fire Risk Assessments – Guidance and Recommendations, BS 9999:2017 Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Buildings, BS 5839-1:2017 Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems, Fire Safety Act 2021. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the UK Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order Responsible Person Compliance Audit [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 7 sections: Fire Risk Assessment, Fire Prevention and General Fire Precautions, Fire Detection and Alarm System, Means of Escape and Emergency Lighting, Firefighting Equipment and Facilities, Fire Safety Training and Drills, Emergency Planning and Procedures. It is designed for uk commercial property operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this UK Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order Responsible Person Compliance Audit [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Responsible Person professionals in the uk commercial property industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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