Your Legal Obligations
Fire safety compliance is a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises in England and Wales. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibility on the “Responsible Person” to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place, maintained, and regularly reviewed.
At Manta Fire, we support duty holders in meeting their obligations through structured fire safety services, clear reporting, and practical recommendations that help ensure compliance is achieved and maintained.
We provide Fire Risk Assessments that are designed to support compliance with current fire safety legislation and guidance. Each assessment involves a detailed evaluation of the premises to identify fire hazards, assess risk to relevant persons, and review the effectiveness of existing fire precautions.
Where required, we provide clear and prioritised recommendations to address deficiencies and improve overall fire safety standards.
Fire Risk Assessments must be reviewed regularly, particularly when there are changes to:
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The layout or structure of the premises
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The use or occupancy of the building
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The number or type of occupants
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Fire safety systems or management arrangements
Compliance Isn't Enough.
You Need Protection
Are You
The Responsible Person?
A suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises. The Responsible Person must ensure that this assessment is carried out and kept up to date.
You need to have a nominated 'Responsible Person' if you are:
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A business owner
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A landlord
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A managing agent
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A facilities manager
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A director or employer
Active Or Passive Fire Protection:
What’s The Difference?
To provide total fire safety, a building requires two distinct layers of defence; active systems that react to a fire, and passive systems that are built into the structure to contain it.
Active Fire Protection (AFP)
Active fire protection requires an action or a trigger to work. These systems are designed to detect the fire, alert the occupants, and suppress the flames. Examples include:
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Detection: Smoke, heat, and flame sensors.
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Alerting: Fire alarms, sirens, and voice evacuation systems.
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Suppression: Sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and gas suppression systems.
Passive Fire Protection (PFP)
Passive fire protection is a fundamental part of a building’s structure. It doesn't "do" anything during a fire; rather, it is always present to contain the fire in its area of origin, protecting the building's integrity and clear exit routes. Examples include:
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Fire Doors: Specially engineered doors that serve as a barrier to stop the spread of fire and smoke between rooms and corridors for a rated period of time.
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Fire Curtains: Flexible, heat-resistant barriers that deploy from the ceiling to create a fire-proof "wall" in large, open-plan areas where standard doors aren't practical.
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Fire and Smoke Dampers: Installed within the building's ventilation and ductwork, these mechanical devices close automatically to prevent fire and toxic smoke from traveling through the HVAC system.
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Compartmentation & Fire Stopping: This is the practice of dividing a building into "cells" or compartments. Fire Stopping specifically refers to sealing gaps around cables, pipes, and joints in walls or floors to ensure the fire-resistant barrier remains airtight.
Understanding Your Responsibilities For Testing & Maintenance Of Common Fire Safety Equipment
Regular testing and maintenance of all fire safety measures are essential to ensure they remain fully functional, reliable, and compliant with current UK safety legislation.
Under BS 5839-1, it is essential that fire alarm systems undergo a recorded weekly test by the user and a comprehensive professional service at least every six months to ensure system reliability.
BS 5266-1 indicates that emergency lighting must be subject to a monthly functional test by a competent person and can be done in-house. A full-duration annual discharge test is to be completed to guarantee that escape routes remain illuminated during a power failure.
To remain compliant with BS 5306-3, fire extinguishers and fire blankets require a recorded monthly visual check by the premises management alongside a professional annual service.
Ongoing Compliance Responsibilities
Fire safety compliance is not a one-off exercise. The Responsible Person must ensure that fire safety measures remain suitable and effective over time.
This includes maintaining fire precautions, ensuring staff awareness where applicable, and reviewing risk assessments when significant changes occur or when there is reason to suspect they are no longer valid.
We assist clients in understanding these ongoing duties and in maintaining compliance through clear, structured reporting and practical guidance.
