This website will carefully guide you through Fire safety Legislation in the UK based on The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – what's often known as the 'Fire Safety Order'. Our clear aim is to distill all of the information you need to know in a clear and consice manner, helping you navigate through, and comply with what is often complex and difficult to understand Fire Safety Legislation in the UK
Martyn’s Law, sometimes referred to during consultation as the Protect Duty, is intended to strengthen public venue security by placing proportionate counter-terrorism duties on those responsible for publicly accessible premises and events. It was introduced following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017 and the subsequent inquiry, which highlighted gaps in preparedness across a wide range of venues. This Law will be enforceable and fully in statute in April 2027, so planning now and preparing for your compliance with this law is greatly important...
Martyn’s Law (the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) is currently in an implementation period and is expected to come into force in spring 2027. While there is no legal requirement to comply yet, organizations can use this time to prepare. Are you ready...?
Are you ready to comply with The new BS 8629:2019 guidance on Evacuation Alert Systems installed in blocks of flats? This could be law soon...
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to make the workplace a pleasant and safe environment for everyone to be in. You have a legal duty to ensure the premises are safe from fire, and that fire safety and emergency plans are in place should one ever occur.
By law, if you are responsible for commercial premises, you need to make sure that a Fire Risk Assessment has been completed by a competent person. It's mandatory to carry out a detailed assessment identifying the risks and hazards in the premises. It must be recorded if you have a total of five or more employees. The responsible person for the premises is also required to...
It varies from business to business, but generally includes:
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the terms “Responsible Person”, ”Competent Person”, and “Relevant Person” are introduced. If you’re not sure who in your organisation is responsible for fire safety or are unsure as to your duties, read more to stay informed, safe and in control.
Read MoreFire and Life safety legislation in the UK can sometimes feel confusing and even contradictory. Below we provide a simplified guide to the UK’s current Fire and Life safety laws. Click a link for more detailed information.
Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is UK legislation requiring certain venues and public events to assess terrorism risks and implement proportionate security measures. Named after Martyn Hett, the law strengthens public safety, emergency preparedness, and protection against terrorist attacks in publicly accessible locations.
All businesses must have a Fire Risk Assessment. This is the cornerstone of fire protection in your business and, along with your Fire Safety Log Book, is one of the first things that a fire authority inspecting officer will ask to see if they inspect your premises.
UK fire safety legislation states that you must provide “appropriate fire-fighting equipment”. This usually means portable fire extinguishers, but some higher-risk businesses may also need hose reels or sprinklers. An example of a higher-risk business would be a restaurant.
In some cases, fire safety signs are often overlooked by business owners but in fact all businesses will need at least 2 signs (a Fire Action Notice, and an Extinguisher ID sign) and quite probably more, to be legally compliant.
A fire alarm system may not be needed if you are operating your business out of a small premises, such as a shop, where you are able to see a fire developing, and a shout of FIRE would be heard throughout the premises.
UK fire safety legislation stipulates that emergency lighting is required in buildings for the purpose of providing light if normal lighting fails during a fire.
Your entire team should know what to do in the event of fire and new employees must be shown what to do when they join your business.
Learn about how to create an emergency plan so your people know what to do if there's a fire.
If you are a landlord you – and your letting or managing agents – both have a legal duty to keep the people who rent your property safe from fire through the provisions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
BDS Fire is a UK-based fire and security company providing comprehensive life safety and protection services. The business specialises in fire detection, alarm systems, passive fire protection, emergency lighting, security solutions, Martyn’s Law compliance, maintenance, and compliance support. BDS Fire delivers tailored, reliable services to help organisations protect people, property, and assets.
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