Auditing

Introduction

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the cornerstone of fire safety legislation in England and Wales, placing legal duties on individuals who have control over premises—referred to as the “responsible person”—to ensure the safety of occupants from fire risks. The Order requires that all non-domestic premises undergo a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, which forms the foundation of fire safety management.

Auditing premises under this legislation involves a systematic review of the fire risk assessment and associated fire safety measures to verify compliance. This process ensures that the responsible person has identified fire hazards, evaluated risks to relevant persons, and implemented appropriate fire precautions. Key areas assessed include means of escape, fire detection and warning systems, firefighting equipment, emergency planning, and staff training.

The audit supports enforcement authorities in promoting fire safety, identifying deficiencies, and guiding improvements. It also reinforces the principle of risk-based fire safety management, encouraging continuous review and adaptation to changing circumstances within the premises.
The guidance below has been provided to support protection functions within Fire and Rescue Services to manage their auditing processes.

Whilst the information is still current, there is a large-scale review of all auditing processes ongoing with the support of FRSs and the NFCC.