When it comes to fire safety, one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts is the role of the “Responsible Person.” Under UK fire safety legislation, every non-domestic premises must have someone legally accountable for ensuring that fire safety duties are carried out – but what does that involve?
At PB Safety, we believe in going beyond the bare minimum. As a BAFE SP205-certified company, we pride ourselves on delivering fire risk assessments that are comprehensive, compliant, and – most importantly – competent.
Understanding the “Responsible Person”
The “Responsible Person” is usually the employer, building owner, landlord, or occupier of the premises. Their duty is not just to tick a few boxes – it’s to ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and reviewed regularly. That assessment forms the basis of a fire safety strategy for the entire premises.
But here’s where things often fall apart: too many assessments in the industry today are reduced to a checklist.
- Do you have a fire extinguisher? Yes.
- Fire alarms? Yes.
- Exit signs? Yes.
Job done? Absolutely not.
In 2022, a West Midlands business was fined £35,000 after a fire revealed serious safety failings. The employer, who was the RP, had failed to maintain fire doors and hadn’t carried out a risk assessment in over five years. It highlighted how overlooking these duties isn’t just a paperwork issue – it has real consequences.
BS 8674: New UK Standard for Fire Risk Assessor Competence
One of the major challenges in the fire safety sector is defining competence. Current regulations use the word repeatedly, yet provide little clarity on what makes a person “competent” to carry out fire risk assessments. This ambiguity has created a gap in standards, where some assessments are little more than surface-level inspections with no real understanding of fire risk strategy.
Fortunately, change is happening. The British Standards Institution (BSI) has released a new standard, BS 8674: Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Practice. This standard provides crucial guidance on the competence criteria required for individuals conducting general fire risk assessments in occupied buildings.
BS 8674 introduces a three-tier competence framework, each tied to building complexity
- Foundation – For assessing low-risk premises
- Intermediate – For medium-risk buildings
- Advanced – For more complex/high-risk structures built with standard materials
Each level includes structured guidance around:
- Knowledge, skills, experience, and professional conduct
- Ongoing mentoring and continuous professional development
The framework excludes invasive inspections, fire engineering, and high-risk sectors like offshore or nuclear. It aligns with the Building Safety Act 2022 and aims to professionalise and clarify the role of competent fire risk assessors.
Why PB Safety’s Fire Risk Assessments Go Beyond Compliance
At PB Safety, we’re not waiting for the standards to change – we’re already meeting them. As a BAFE SP205 certified organisation, we’ve demonstrated both compliance and excellence in fire risk assessments. We undergo regular audits and pass them with confidence because we don’t believe in just doing the minimum.
When we carry out a fire risk assessment, we look at:
- Whether the correct types and quantities of extinguishers are present
- If they’ve been serviced, tested, and properly located
- The evacuation strategy – is it realistic and regularly drilled?
- The layout and use of the building – are there changing risks?
- Fire alarm zones, maintenance records, staff training levels, and much more
This isn’t a quick walkaround with a clipboard – it’s a full, detailed evaluation of your fire risk profile, carried out by assessors who are qualified, experienced, and committed to getting it right.
Getting Fire Risk Assessments Right
Failing to conduct a thorough fire risk assessment can have devastating consequences, ranging from legal repercussions to the tragic loss of life or the destruction of a business. Fire won’t wait for compliance to catch up. That’s why the Responsible Person must take their duties seriously and select an assessor with proven competence and verified credentials.
Choose Competence and Compliance with PB Safety
Fire risk assessments are not a formality – they’re a foundation. Whether you’re a facilities manager, business owner, or property manager, the responsibility is yours to ensure your premises are safe.
If you’re unsure where to begin, PB Safety is here to help. Our experienced, BAFE-certified team is ready to support you in meeting current requirements – and the stricter standards are just around the corner.
Contact us today to find out more.