Under UK fire safety legislation, whether you are considered a "responsible person" depends on your role and level of control over a premises. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) defines the responsible person as follows:

So ... who is the Responsible Person?

• Employer – If the premises are a workplace, the employer is usually the responsible person.
• Owner or Landlord – For non-workplaces (e.g., residential blocks, shared common areas), the owner or managing agent may be responsible.
• Occupier or Tenant – If you have control over the premises (e.g., a business tenant), you may share responsibility.
• Anyone with Control – This could include facilities managers, building managers, or even self-employed individuals in shared spaces.

Crikey ... does that mean I am the Responsible Person?

If you own, manage, or have significant control over a premises (workplace, commercial building, or communal areas in residential buildings), you are likely to qualify as the responsible person.

If you are an employee with no managerial or operational control, you are not the responsible person (though you still have duties under general fire safety awareness).

Duties of the Responsible Person

If you are the responsible person, you must:

• Conduct a fire risk assessment (and keep it updated).
• Implement and maintain adequate fire safety measures (alarms, extinguishers, exits).
• Provide fire safety training to staff/occupants.
• Have an emergency plan in place.

What If You're Unsure?

If you share responsibility (e.g., landlord and tenant), you must coordinate with others to ensure compliance. The team at LAC Services (East Anglia) Ltd can help and support you, or clarify any areas for you to help you responsible.