Many Responsible Persons still rely on outdated assumptions about fire safety compliance. With increasing scrutiny under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022, believing the wrong advice can leave organisations exposed to enforcement action, prosecution and unnecessary risk.
Here are eight common myths that continue to cause compliance issues across the UK.
Myth 1: “A Fire Risk Assessment only needs doing once”
A Fire Risk Assessment is not a one-off document. It must be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur to the building, occupancy, processes, or fire safety arrangements. A Fire Risk Assessment should always reflect the current risks within the premises.
Myth 2: “The fire alarm contractor handles compliance”
Fire alarm contractors maintain alarm systems. They do not manage your legal duties. The Responsible Person remains accountable for fire safety compliance, including risk assessments, training, evacuation procedures, maintenance and record keeping.
Myth 3: “Fire doors don’t need regular inspections”
Fire doors are a critical part of a building’s passive fire protection strategy. Damaged seals, faulty closers and poor maintenance can prevent them from performing as intended. Regular inspections are essential and, in some residential buildings, are a legal requirement.
Myth 4: “PEEPs only apply in healthcare”
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are relevant wherever someone may need assistance evacuating during an emergency. This could include employees, residents, visitors, contractors or customers with mobility, sensory or cognitive impairments.
Myth 5: “Low-risk buildings don’t need much fire management”
Every building requires appropriate fire safety management. Even small offices, shops and low-risk premises must have suitable fire precautions, staff training, maintenance arrangements and emergency procedures in place. Risk level affects the controls required, not whether controls are needed.
Myth 6: “Any competent handyman can assess fire safety”
Fire Risk Assessments should be carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge, training and experience. Fire safety legislation is becoming increasingly complex, particularly in residential and higher-risk buildings, making assessor competence more important than ever.
Myth 7: “The Building Safety Act only affects high-rise residential buildings”
While Higher-Risk Buildings face additional requirements, the Building Safety Act has influenced fire safety expectations across the wider built environment. Many organisations are discovering that fire safety responsibilities now extend further than they previously assumed.
Myth 8: “If nobody has raised concerns, the building must be compliant”
Compliance is not measured by the absence of complaints. Fire safety failures often remain hidden until an audit, inspection or incident reveals them. Responsible Persons should actively review their arrangements rather than waiting for problems to emerge.
Are You Working from Facts or Assumptions?
Fire safety compliance depends on accurate information, competent advice and regular review. If any of these myths sound familiar, it may be time to take a fresh look at your fire safety arrangements.
PB Fire Safety supports Responsible Persons with Fire Risk Assessments, fire door inspections, evacuation planning, fire safety management procedures, training and ongoing compliance support.
Book a Fire Safety Review
If you’d like an independent review of your current fire safety arrangements or want to discuss your compliance responsibilities, contact PB Fire Safety today for a fire safety review and compliance discussion.