This guide is general information for UK premises teams and is not legal advice. Check the official guidance for your premises and use a competent fire safety professional where needed.
England
England uses the Fire Safety Order framework for many non-domestic premises, with additional changes from the Fire Safety Act 2021, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and Building Safety Act 2022 duties for relevant buildings.
Teams should record risk assessments, fire safety arrangements, routine checks, resident information where applicable, and evidence of cooperation between responsible persons.
Wales
The Fire Safety Order applies in Wales as well as England, and Welsh Government guidance explains responsible-person duties and Section 156 changes around recording fire risk assessments and fire safety arrangements.
In March 2026, Wales also passed the Building Safety (Wales) Bill, which the Welsh Government described as a major step for residential building safety.
Scotland
Scotland has its own non-domestic fire safety regime under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Scottish Government guidance focuses on risk assessment, identifying and implementing fire safety measures, staff training, fire warning, firefighting, escape, and emergency procedures.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service guidance explains that fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for people responsible for premises that are not single private dwellings.
It also notes that written records are required in certain circumstances, including where five or more people work at the premises or the business has a licence under relevant legislation.
Sources reviewed
These sources were reviewed when preparing this guide.
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