Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
SI 2005/1541•Status:CurrentAt a Glance
- Date Enacted
- 7 June 2005
- Enforcing Body
- Fire and Rescue Authority
- Maximum Penalty
- Unlimited
- Jurisdiction
- England, Wales
- Citation
- SI 2005/1541
- Status
- Current
What This Means for You
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), often referred to as the Fire Safety Order, replaced most previous fire safety legislation in England and Wales. Its primary purpose is to simplify and modernise fire safety regulations, shifting the responsibility for fire safety from the fire service to the 'responsible person' within a business or organisation. This responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment, implement appropriate fire safety measures, and maintain these measures. The Order places a significant emphasis on preventative measures and continuous improvement. Regarding workplace safety signage, the RRO mandates that appropriate fire safety signs are provided and maintained to clearly indicate escape routes, fire-fighting equipment locations, and fire hazards. These signs must comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. The RRO's impact on signage is that it requires a proactive approach to ensuring adequate and compliant fire safety signage is in place, based on a thorough risk assessment, rather than relying on prescriptive rules. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties.
Key Provisions
Article 14Emergency routes and exitsRequires appropriate signage for escape routes
Requires appropriate signage for escape routes
Article 14 - Emergency routes and exits
Requires appropriate signage for escape routes
Article 13Fire-fighting and fire detectionEquipment must be identified by suitable signs
Equipment must be identified by suitable signs
Article 13 - Fire-fighting and fire detection
Equipment must be identified by suitable signs
Signage Requirements
- Escape routes must be clearly indicated by appropriate fire exit signs, conforming to BS EN ISO 7010.
- Fire-fighting equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, fire blankets, hose reels) must be clearly identified with appropriate signs.
- Fire doors must be clearly marked with 'Fire Door Keep Shut' or similar signage.
- Signs must be easily visible and legible, even in low light conditions or during a fire.
- Signs must be maintained in good condition and replaced if damaged or faded.
- Where necessary, signs must indicate the type of fire extinguisher and the types of fire it is suitable for.
- Signs should be placed at appropriate heights and locations to ensure they are easily seen by all persons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inadequate or missing fire exit signs.
- Obstructed or poorly maintained fire exit routes and signage.
- Incorrect or non-compliant fire safety signs (e.g., using outdated symbols).
- Failure to provide signage indicating the location of fire-fighting equipment.
- Lack of signage on fire doors, particularly those that must be kept shut.
- Poor visibility of signs due to inadequate lighting or obstructions.
Practical Next Steps
- 1Conduct a thorough fire risk assessment to identify all fire hazards and necessary safety measures, including signage.
- 2Ensure all fire safety signs comply with BS EN ISO 7010 and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
- 3Regularly inspect and maintain all fire safety signage to ensure it is in good condition and clearly visible.
- 4Provide fire safety training to employees, including instruction on the meaning and location of fire safety signs.
- 5Consult with a competent fire safety professional to ensure compliance with the RRO.
- 6Keep records of all fire risk assessments, fire safety measures, and maintenance activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the 'responsible person' under the Fire Safety Order?
What is a fire risk assessment?
Official Resources
Related Regulations
Safety Signs Regulations 1996
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
The core signage regulation. Requires employers to provide safety signs where risks cannot be avoided or controlled by other means.
L64Safety Signs and SignalsView Full DetailsFire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Post-Grenfell regulations requiring wayfinding signage in high-rise residential buildings.
View Full DetailsGB CLP Regulation
Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (retained EU law)
UK's implementation of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for chemical classification and labelling.
View Full DetailsCOSHH 2002
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances. Includes requirements for storage area marking.
L5Control of substances hazardous to healthView Full Details
