Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- Fire and Rescue Authority
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 84 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides
What you must do
84 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Risk assessment 15
Assess and review dangerous substances for fire safety
If your premises contain, or could contain, any dangerous substances you must carry out a fire‑safety assessment (or review) that looks at the hazards, how the substances are stored, handled and used, and the risk of fire or explosion. This assessment must consider the points listed in the regulation and be kept up to date.
Assess and review dangerous substances in your premises
Unlimited fineIf your business stores, uses or could be exposed to any dangerous substance, you must carry out a fire‑safety assessment (or review) of those substances. The assessment has to take into account the hazards, supplier information, how the substance is used, stored and transported, and the risk of ignition or explosive atmospheres.
Assess dangerous substances for fire safety
If you have or might have any dangerous substances in your premises, you must carry out a fire safety assessment (or review) that looks at the hazards, how the substances are used, stored and handled, and any potential for explosive atmospheres. This ensures you identify and manage the risks linked to those substances.
Assess fire risks of dangerous substances in your premises
If you store or use any dangerous chemicals, you must carry out a fire risk assessment (and regular review) that looks at the substance’s hazards, the safety data sheet, how much you have, how it interacts with other chemicals, how it’s stored, handled and disposed of, and the chance of an explosive atmosphere or ignition source. This ensures you understand and control fire hazards linked to hazardous substances in your workplace.
Carry out fire risk assessment for young persons before hiring
Before you employ a young person (generally under 18) you must have carried out or reviewed a fire risk assessment that looks at any hazards that could affect them. This means you cannot hire a young person until you have documented how you will keep them safe from fire risks.
Carry out fire‑risk assessment for young persons before hiring
Unlimited fineBefore you employ anyone under 18 you must have completed (or updated) a fire‑risk assessment that looks at any hazards specifically affecting young people. If you haven’t done this assessment you must not hire the young person. This means you need to check your fire safety plans and records whenever you take on a young employee.
Carry out risk assessment before hiring young people
You cannot employ anyone under 18 unless you have already done, or checked, a fire‑related risk assessment that looks at hazards for young workers. In practice this means completing a suitable assessment before you make a hiring decision and keeping a record of it.
Carry out risk assessment before hiring young people
Before you hire anyone considered a 'young person', you must complete (or update) a risk assessment that looks at any fire‑safety risks that could affect them. You cannot employ the young person until this assessment has been done and recorded.
Complete fire safety duties before starting work with dangerous substances
You must not start any new job that involves a dangerous substance until you have carried out all the required fire‑safety assessments and planning for those substances. In practice this means completing the Chapter 1 duties (risk assessment, control measures, etc.) beforehand and keeping evidence of that work.
Consider employee fire‑safety capabilities when assigning tasks
If you have fire‑safety responsibilities under the Regulations, you must check that any staff you assign to fire‑related duties have the health and safety knowledge, fitness and ability to work safely with fire. Before you give someone a task, assess whether they are capable of handling the fire‑related risks involved.
Consider fire‑risk factors for young employees in assessments
Before you hire anyone under 18, you must make sure your fire risk assessment (or its review) specifically looks at their inexperience, the layout of the premises, any exposure to harmful agents, the equipment they’ll use, how work is organised, the fire‑training you provide and any hazards listed in the relevant EU directive. In practice this means adapting your fire‑risk paperwork to cover these points for every young person you employ.
Consider fire risks for young workers in risk assessments
Before you hire anyone under 18, you must make sure your fire risk assessment specifically looks at how young people might be affected. This means taking into account their inexperience, the layout of the premises, the equipment they’ll use, any hazardous substances, the training you’ll give them, and any other fire hazards listed in EU Directive 94/33/EC.
Include fire‑risk considerations for young employees in assessments
Before you hire anyone under 18, you must make sure your fire risk assessment (or review of one) specifically looks at factors that affect young people – such as their inexperience, the layout of the premises, exposure to hazardous agents, the equipment they’ll use, how work is organised, the training you’ll give them and any risks listed in the EU young‑workers directive. This ensures your fire safety plan is appropriate for younger staff.
Include fire‑risk factors for young workers in assessments
Unlimited fineIf you employ anyone under 18 in Scotland, you must make sure your fire risk assessment specifically looks at how their inexperience, the layout of the premises, exposure to physical or chemical agents, the equipment they’ll use, how work is organised, the fire‑training you’ll give them and any risks listed in the EU young‑workers directive could affect fire safety. You need to record this assessment before they start work.
Keep fire risk assessments up to date
You must regularly check your fire risk assessment and update it whenever you think it may no longer be correct or when there are major changes to the building, fire‑safety measures or how work is organised. This ensures your fire safety plans always reflect the current situation.
Management duties 52
Complete fire‑safety duties before starting new work with dangerous substances
If you plan any new work that uses a dangerous substance, you must first make sure the fire‑safety assessments and other Chapter 1 duties have been carried out. You cannot start the work until those duties are signed off. This prevents unsafe handling of hazardous materials on your site.
Complete fire‑safety duties for dangerous substances before starting new work
Before you begin any new work that uses a dangerous substance, you must make sure all fire‑safety duties (the Chapter 1 duties) for those substances have been carried out. In practice this means checking that risk assessments, safety statements or other required actions are finished and signed off before the work starts. Starting the work without this check would breach the regulations.
Consider employee fire‑safety capabilities when assigning tasks
Unlimited fineWhen you give an employee work that involves fire safety, you must check that they are fit, trained and able to carry out the task safely. This means looking at their health, training and any limitations that could affect fire‑related duties before you assign the work.
Consider employees’ fire‑safety capabilities when assigning tasks
If you are an employer with fire‑safety duties, you must look at each worker’s ability to work safely with fire‑related risks before you allocate work to them. This means checking their training, health, and any limitations that could affect fire safety and only assigning tasks they are capable of doing safely.
Consider employees' fire‑safety capabilities when assigning work
When you give an employee a task that involves fire safety, you must check that they have the necessary health and safety abilities for that task. Match duties to what they’re capable of so that fire‑related risks are minimised.
Control risks from dangerous substances and maintain safe systems
Unlimited fineIf your business stores, uses or processes dangerous substances you must put in place a hierarchy of controls – keep quantities to the minimum, prevent releases, provide proper ventilation, segregation and explosion protection, and limit who can be exposed. You also need to ensure the plant, equipment and work procedures (including permits and written instructions) are designed, maintained and able to be safely shut down even if power fails.
Control risks from dangerous substances in your premises
If your business stores, uses or handles dangerous substances you must put in place a clear hierarchy of controls – keep quantities to a minimum, stop releases, control sources, stop explosive atmospheres, safely contain any releases, remove ignition sources and keep incompatible substances apart. You also need to have mitigation measures, safe plant design, maintenance, emergency shutdown and permit‑to‑work systems in place.
Co‑operate and coordinate fire safety duties with other parties
If your business shares premises with other people who also have fire‑safety responsibilities (e.g. other employers, landlords or contractors), you must work together, line up your fire‑safety actions and keep each other informed of any fire risks arising from your work. Where an explosive atmosphere could occur, the person who has overall responsibility for the premises must take the lead in coordinating all protective measures.
Co‑operate and coordinate fire safety duties with other parties
If your business shares fire‑safety responsibilities for a building with other organisations, you must work with them, coordinate your fire‑prevention and fire‑fighting measures and keep them informed of any risks you create. Where an explosive atmosphere could arise, the person who has overall responsibility for the premises must take the lead in coordinating all required safety measures.
Co‑operate and coordinate fire safety duties with other responsible parties
Unlimited fineIf you share fire‑safety responsibilities for a building with any other person (e.g. employer, occupier, contractor), you must work together, align your safety measures and keep each other informed of any fire‑related risks. Where an explosive atmosphere could occur, the person with overall responsibility must also coordinate all protective actions for that area.
Co‑operate and coordinate fire safety measures with other duty‑holders
If you share a building or site with other people who also have fire‑safety duties, you must work together, line up your safety actions and keep each other informed of any risks. Where an explosive atmosphere could occur, the person with overall responsibility must make sure all protective steps are coordinated.
Create and keep fire‑safety arrangements for your premises
You must develop suitable fire‑safety plans that cover how you will organise, control, monitor and review fire safety measures in your business, taking into account the size of your operation and the nature of your activities. If you have five or more staff, need a licence for the premises, or are subject to an alterations notice, you also have to keep a written record of those arrangements.
Create and record fire safety arrangements
You must set up fire‑safety plans that fit the size and activities of your business, covering how you plan, organise, control, monitor and review fire‑safety measures. If you employ five or more people, need a licence or registration, or have an alterations notice, you must keep written records of those arrangements.
Eliminate or reduce fire risk from dangerous substances
If your premises contain any hazardous substances you must make sure the fire risk they create is removed or reduced as far as reasonably practicable. You should try to replace the substance with a safer one, put in control or mitigation measures, and ensure safe handling, storage and transport, keeping these arrangements up‑to‑date.
Eliminate or reduce fire risks from dangerous substances
Unlimited fineIf your premises contain any dangerous substances, you must take all reasonably practicable steps to get rid of the risk or lower it. This means substituting the substance where possible, putting in safe handling, storage and transport arrangements, and keeping any safety measures in place at all times.
Eliminate or reduce risks from dangerous substances
If your premises contain any dangerous substances you must do everything reasonably practicable to remove or cut down the risk they pose. That means replacing them with safer alternatives where possible, putting in control and fire‑mitigation measures if you can’t remove them, and making sure they are stored, handled and transported safely at all times.
Eliminate or reduce risks from dangerous substances
If your business stores or uses any dangerous substance on the premises, you must take all reasonably practicable steps to remove or lessen the fire‑related risk. This means substituting safer products where possible, putting in place control and mitigation measures, and ensuring safe handling, storage and transport are maintained at all times.
Ensure appropriate fire‑fighting equipment, staff and emergency arrangements
You must fit your premises with suitable fire‑fighting and fire‑warning equipment and make sure any manual gear (e.g., extinguishers) is easy to reach, simple to use and clearly signed. You also need to appoint competent people, give them adequate training and equipment, and set up contact with the fire service. The exact type and amount of equipment and staff depends on the size, use, hazards and number of people in the building.
Ensure emergency measures for dangerous substances
If your business stores or uses dangerous substances, you must have up‑to‑date emergency information, warning and alarm systems, escape routes and the right protective equipment in place, and share this information with fire and rescue services. You also need to act immediately to control any fire, limit access to the incident area and only allow essential staff with appropriate PPE and specialised equipment to enter.
Ensure fire safety duties are completed before new work with dangerous substances
Unlimited fineYou must not start any new job that involves a dangerous substance until the fire‑safety responsibilities set out in sections 53 or 54 have been carried out. In practice this means checking that the required fire risk assessments and safety measures for those substances are in place and signed off before work begins.
Keep escape routes and exits clear and functional
Unlimited fineYou must make sure that anyone in your building can get out quickly and safely if a fire starts. This means keeping corridors and exit doors free of anything that blocks them, using doors that open outward, not locking them, providing clear signage and emergency lighting where needed, and ensuring the layout meets the size and positioning requirements for the number of people present.
Keep escape routes and exits clear and meet fire‑escape standards
Unlimited fineYou must make sure that all routes to emergency exits and the exits themselves are never blocked and that they meet basic safety rules. This means routes should lead straight to a safe area, be sufficient in number and size, open outward, not be locked, sliding or revolving, be clearly signed and have emergency lighting where required. The requirement applies at all times while people are present on the premises.
Keep escape routes and exits clear and meet fire‑escape standards
Unlimited fineYou must make sure that all routes to fire‑escape doors and the doors themselves are never blocked, open the right way, can be opened quickly, are clearly signed and, where needed, have adequate emergency lighting. This applies to any premises you are responsible for under the fire‑safety duties.
Maintain fire‑fighter protection equipment and systems
Unlimited fineIf your building is classed as a “relevant premises” under the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations, you must keep all fire‑fighter protection measures – such as fire‑break doors, sprinkler heads, fire‑fighter lifts, signage and any other devices – in good working order. This means having a regular maintenance programme and fixing any faults promptly, even if the work is carried out by another party in the same building.
Maintain fire‑fighter protection equipment and systems
If your premises have any equipment or installations that are provided for the use or protection of fire‑fighters (such as fire‑fighter lifts, special water supplies, protective devices, etc.), you must keep them in good working order. Set up a regular maintenance programme, carry out repairs promptly and keep records of what has been done. You can make arrangements with other occupiers in the same building to share the responsibility where appropriate.
Maintain fire‑fighter protection equipment and systems
If your building has fire‑fighting, detection or other safety equipment that firefighters might use, you must keep it in good working order. Set up a regular maintenance plan, carry out any needed repairs promptly, and keep records to show the equipment is efficient and fit for use.
Maintain fire‑fighter protection equipment in good working order
Unlimited fineYou must have a regular maintenance programme for any fire‑fighter protection systems, equipment or devices in your building and keep them in efficient working order and good repair. If your building shares space with other premises, you need to arrange with the other occupier or owner so that the same standards are applied throughout.
Maintain fire‑fighter protection measures in common areas
If you control any part of the shared areas in a block of flats or other private dwellings (for example as a landlord, managing agent or owner), you must keep the fire‑detection and fire‑fighting equipment in those areas in good working order so firefighters can do their job safely. This means regular checks, servicing and repairs of things like alarms, extinguishers and access routes.
Maintain fire safety equipment and premises
Unlimited fineIf you are the person responsible for fire safety in a building, you must keep the building and all fire‑related equipment, devices and systems in good repair. This means having a regular maintenance plan and fixing anything that isn’t working properly, so that fire risks are minimised.
Maintain fire safety equipment and premises in good repair
If you’re the person responsible for fire safety in a building (for example, the occupier or employer), you must keep all fire‑related equipment, systems and the premises themselves in good working order. You need an ongoing maintenance plan and, where the building is shared, you can arrange with other occupiers or owners to meet these requirements.
Maintain fire safety equipment and systems
If you are the person responsible for fire safety (usually the occupier or owner of the premises), you must set up a regular maintenance programme for all fire‑related equipment and keep it in good working order. This includes any alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting or other devices required by the Regulations.
Maintain fire safety equipment and systems in good working order
If you are the person responsible for fire safety under the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations (usually the building owner or occupier), you must have a regular maintenance programme for all fire‑related facilities, equipment and devices and keep them working efficiently and in good repair. You can arrange for another occupier or the owner of adjoining premises to share this duty, but the maintenance must still be carried out.
Maintain fire safety measures in common areas of private dwellings
Unlimited fineIf you have any control over the shared parts of a block of flats – for example as a landlord, owner, managing agent or other controller – you must keep fire‑safety equipment and systems in those areas maintained and ready for use. The rule treats those common spaces the same as commercial premises, so they must meet the same fire‑fighter protection standards.
Maintain fire‑safety measures in common areas of shared dwellings
If you own, manage or otherwise control the shared parts of a block of flats or other private residential building (e.g., hallways, stairways, lifts), you must keep the fire‑safety equipment and features in those areas in good working order for the benefit of the fire‑service. This means regular checks, servicing and timely repairs of things like fire doors, extinguishers, alarms and access routes.
Maintain fire safety measures in shared areas of residential blocks
Unlimited fineIf you own, manage or otherwise control the common parts of a block of flats (e.g., stairways, lifts, corridors), you must keep all fire‑safety equipment and systems in those areas in good working order so firefighters can do their job safely. This duty applies whether you do it for profit or not and continues for as long as you have any control over those shared spaces.
Maintain unobstructed, safe emergency routes and exits
You must keep all escape routes and fire exits clear at all times and make sure they meet safety standards – they should lead directly to a safe area outside, be easy to open outward, not be locked or blocked, have appropriate signs and emergency lighting, and be sufficient in number and size for the maximum number of people in the premises.
Manage dangerous substances to prevent fire and explosion
If you are the person responsible for fire safety at your premises, you must keep any dangerous substances to the smallest amount needed, stop them leaking or exploding, and put in place ventilation, containment, explosion‑relief and protective equipment. You also need to design, maintain and regularly check the plant and procedures (including written permits and instructions) so that a release or fire cannot harm people or property.
Manage risks of dangerous substances in the workplace
Unlimited fineIf your business stores, uses or handles dangerous substances you must put in place practical steps to keep the amount of material to the minimum, stop releases, prevent fires or explosions and protect people. This means having the right plant, safe systems, protective equipment and clear work‑permit arrangements, and keeping everything maintained and tested.
Plan and maintain emergency measures for dangerous substances
Unlimited fineIf your business stores or uses dangerous substances, you must have clear emergency arrangements for fire. This means keeping up‑to‑date information on the hazards, installing warning and communication systems, providing escape routes and facilities, sharing the plan with emergency services and displaying it on site, and ensuring only essential staff with proper protective equipment enter any fire‑affected area.
Plan and manage emergency measures for dangerous substances
Unlimited fineIf you store or use dangerous substances on your premises, you must have emergency arrangements in place. This includes keeping up‑to‑date information on the hazards, warning and communication systems, evacuation routes and escape facilities, and sharing this information with fire and rescue services. In the event of a fire you must act immediately to control it, limit access, provide protective equipment and keep the emergency measures maintained.
Plan and record fire‑safety arrangements
You must put in place fire‑safety plans that cover how you will organise, control, monitor and review fire protection in your premises. If you have five or more staff, need a licence for the premises, or are under an alterations notice, you also have to keep a written record of those arrangements.
Plan and record fire safety arrangements for your premises
You must put in place fire‑safety arrangements that are suitable for the size and activity of your business – this includes planning, organising, controlling, monitoring and reviewing fire safety measures. If you have five or more employees, need a licence or registration for the premises, or are subject to an alterations notice, you also have to keep a written record of those arrangements.
Provide and maintain appropriate fire‑fighting equipment and warning systems
Unlimited fineYou must make sure your premises have suitable fire‑fighting equipment and fire‑warning systems, and that any manual equipment is easy to reach, simple to use and clearly sign‑posted. You also need to put fire‑fighting measures in place, appoint competent people to use them and keep contact with the local fire service.
Provide and maintain fire‑fighting equipment and appoint competent fire‑safety staff
You must make sure your premises have suitable fire‑fighting tools (e.g. extinguishers, hoses) and fire‑warning systems, and that any handheld equipment is easy to reach, simple to use and clearly sign‑posted. You also need to appoint competent people, give them the right training and equipment, and set up contact arrangements with the fire service.
Provide emergency measures for dangerous substances
If your premises store or use dangerous substances, you must have a clear emergency plan. This includes keeping up‑to‑date information on the hazards, warning and communication systems, escape routes and procedures, and sharing this information with the fire service. In the event of a fire you must act quickly to control it, inform affected people and only allow essential staff with proper protective equipment to enter the area.
Provide fire‑fighting equipment, warning systems and appoint competent staff
You must make sure your premises have suitable fire‑fighting tools (like extinguishers or hoses) and a way to warn people when a fire starts. Any manual equipment must be easy to reach, simple to use and clearly signed. You also need to appoint people with the right training to operate the equipment and keep the fire service informed.
Provide fire‑risk information to outside workers and their employers
If you have contractors, subcontractors or self‑employed people working on your premises, you must give their employer (or the worker themselves) clear information about any fire risks they face and the fire safety measures you have in place. You also need to tell them who to contact in an evacuation and provide any instructions they need to stay safe.
Provide fire‑risk information to outside‑workforce employers and workers
Unlimited fineIf you have staff from another company (e.g. subcontractors, agency workers) working in your premises, you must give the employer of those workers, and the workers themselves, clear information about any fire risks they face and the fire‑safety steps you have taken. You also need to tell them who to contact to organise evacuation for those workers.
Provide fire safety information to employees and child‑worker parents
You must give all your staff clear, easy‑to‑understand information about any fire risks identified in your fire risk assessment, the fire safety measures you have put in place, evacuation procedures, who the fire‑responsible people are and any hazardous substances on site. The same information (scaled for a child‑worker) must be supplied to the child's parent before they start work, and you must update it whenever there are significant changes to your activities or work methods.
Review and update fire risk assessments regularly
You must keep your fire‑fighting and fire‑detection risk assessment up to date. Review it at regular intervals (for example, each year) and whenever you suspect it may no longer be valid or after any major changes to the premises, fire‑safety equipment or the way work is organised. If the review shows the assessment is out of date, amend it promptly.
Review and update fire safety assessments regularly
You must keep your fire safety assessment up to date. Carry out a regular review and re‑review it straight away if you think it may no longer be valid or if there have been major changes to the building, fire‑safety measures or the way work is organised. This ensures your fire‑risk statements always reflect the current situation.
Review fire safety assessments regularly
You must keep any fire safety assessment for your premises up to date. Review it at regular intervals and again whenever you suspect it may no longer be valid, or when there have been major changes to the building, fire‑prevention measures or how the work is organised. If the assessment is out of date, update it promptly.
Record keeping 4
Record fire risk assessment information
After you carry out or review a fire risk assessment, you must write down the details required by the regulations as soon as you can. You only need to do this if you have five or more staff, need a licence or registration for the premises, or an alterations notice forces the requirement.
Record fire‑safety assessment information
After you carry out or review a fire‑safety assessment, you must write down the details set out in regulation 9. Do this as soon as reasonably possible if you employ five or more staff, need a licence for the premises, or have an alterations notice in force.
Record fire‑safety information after an assessment
After you have carried out or updated a fire risk assessment, you must write down the details required by the Regulations as soon as practicable. You only need to do this if you have five or more staff, need a licence or registration for the premises, or an alterations notice is in force.
Record fire safety information after assessment
Once you have carried out or updated a fire risk assessment, you must write down the specific fire safety details set out in Regulation 9. You only need to do this if you have 5 or more employees, need a licence/registration for the premises, or an alterations notice that requires it is in force.
Reporting and filing 4
Report fire hazards to your employer
Your staff must tell you (or the person responsible for fire safety) as soon as they see a serious immediate fire danger or a shortcoming in your fire‑protection arrangements that affects them or comes from their work, provided they haven’t already reported it. This keeps fire risks identified and dealt with quickly.
Report fire hazards to your employer immediately
Your staff must tell you (or the person responsible for fire safety) as soon as they spot a serious or immediate fire danger, or any shortcoming in your fire‑safety arrangements that affects them or arises from their work. This must be done while they are at work and only if the issue hasn't already been reported.
Report fire hazards to your employer promptly
Your staff must tell you (or the person responsible for fire safety) as soon as they notice any situation that poses a serious, immediate fire danger, or any weakness in your fire‑protection measures that affects them or comes from their work, if it hasn’t already been reported. You need to have a simple way for them to do this.
Report fire safety hazards to your employer
Unlimited fineWhile you're at work, you must tell your employer (or the person responsible for fire safety) about any situation that you, with your fire‑safety training, consider an immediate fire danger, or any shortcoming in the fire‑protection arrangements that affects you or results from your work and hasn’t already been reported. This keeps the workplace safer and helps the business meet its fire‑safety duties.
Training 9
Provide fire risk information to external employers and self‑employed workers
If you are the person responsible for fire safety in your premises, you must give any outside contractor’s employer and any self‑employed person working on site clear, easy‑to‑understand information about the fire risks they face and the fire‑safety measures you have in place. You also need to tell them who to contact for evacuation procedures.
Provide fire‑risk information to outside employers and self‑employed workers
Unlimited fineIf you have staff from another company or a self‑employed person working in your premises, you must give their employer (or the person themselves) clear information about any fire risks they face, the fire safety measures you have in place, and who to contact in an evacuation. This includes written risk details, instructions and the name of the person responsible for fire evacuation for those workers.
Provide fire safety information to employees (and child’s parents)
Unlimited fineYou must give all staff clear, easy‑to‑understand information about the fire risks identified in your risk assessment, the fire safety measures you have put in place, the fire procedures to follow, who the nominated fire wardens are and any other risks that have been formally notified. If you hire a child, you must give the child's parent the same information before the child starts work. Where dangerous substances are present you also need to supply details of the substance, its safety data sheet and the relevant legislation.
Provide fire safety information to employees (and child workers’ parents)
Unlimited fineGive all staff clear, easy‑to‑understand information about fire risks, the fire safety measures you have in place, emergency procedures, who the nominated fire‑wardens are and any risks that have been formally notified. If you employ a child you must also give this information to the child’s parent before they start. When hazardous substances are present you must also provide details of those substances, safety data sheets and the relevant legislation, and keep the information up‑to‑date.
Provide fire‑safety information to employees (and child‑workers’ parents)
You must give your staff clear, easy‑to‑understand information about any fire risks identified in your fire risk assessment, the fire safety measures you have put in place, evacuation procedures, who the fire wardens are and any other risks that have been officially notified to you. If you employ a child you must also give the child’s parent the same information before the child starts work. Where hazardous substances are stored on the premises you must additionally supply details of the substance, its risk, the safety data sheet and the relevant legislation.
Provide fire safety training for employees
If your business has fire‑safety duties, you must give every employee fire‑safety training when they start work and again whenever they face new or increased fire risks (e.g., a new role, new equipment, new technology or a new way of working). The training must teach them how to protect themselves and others, be refreshed regularly, and be delivered during working hours.
Provide fire safety training to employees
Unlimited fineYou must give every employee fire‑safety training when they start work and again whenever their role, equipment, technology or way of working introduces new or higher fire risks. The training must explain how to protect themselves and others, be repeated as needed, updated for any new risks, delivered in a way that fits the risk and take place during working hours.
Provide fire safety training to employees
Unlimited fineIf your business is required to carry out a fire risk assessment (section 53), you must give fire‑safety training to every staff member when they start work and each time their role, equipment, technology or way of working creates new or greater fire risks. The training must explain what actions to take to protect themselves and others, be repeated as needed, be suited to the level of risk and be delivered during working hours.
Provide fire safety training to employees
Unlimited fineYou must give all staff fire safety training when they start work and again whenever they face new or increased fire risks – for example if their role changes, new equipment or technology is introduced, or work processes are altered. The training must explain how to protect themselves and others, be repeated periodically, updated for any new risks, and take place during working hours.
Penalties for non-compliance
28 penalties under this legislation. 28 carry an unlimited fine.
Assess and review dangerous substances in your premises
Unlimited fine
Carry out fire‑risk assessment for young persons before hiring
Unlimited fine
Include fire‑risk factors for young workers in assessments
Unlimited fine
Consider employee fire‑safety capabilities when assigning tasks
Unlimited fine
Control risks from dangerous substances and maintain safe systems
Unlimited fine
Co‑operate and coordinate fire safety duties with other responsible parties
Unlimited fine
Eliminate or reduce fire risks from dangerous substances
Unlimited fine
Ensure fire safety duties are completed before new work with dangerous substances
Unlimited fine
Keep escape routes and exits clear and functional
Unlimited fine
Keep escape routes and exits clear and meet fire‑escape standards
Unlimited fine
Keep escape routes and exits clear and meet fire‑escape standards
Unlimited fine
Maintain fire‑fighter protection equipment and systems
Unlimited fine
Maintain fire‑fighter protection equipment in good working order
Unlimited fine
Maintain fire safety equipment and premises
Unlimited fine
Maintain fire safety measures in common areas of private dwellings
Unlimited fine
Maintain fire safety measures in shared areas of residential blocks
Unlimited fine
Manage risks of dangerous substances in the workplace
Unlimited fine
Plan and maintain emergency measures for dangerous substances
Unlimited fine
Plan and manage emergency measures for dangerous substances
Unlimited fine
Provide and maintain appropriate fire‑fighting equipment and warning systems
Unlimited fine
Provide fire‑risk information to outside‑workforce employers and workers
Unlimited fine
Report fire safety hazards to your employer
Unlimited fine
Provide fire‑risk information to outside employers and self‑employed workers
Unlimited fine
Provide fire safety information to employees (and child’s parents)
Unlimited fine
Provide fire safety information to employees (and child workers’ parents)
Unlimited fine
Provide fire safety training to employees
Unlimited fine
Provide fire safety training to employees
Unlimited fine
Provide fire safety training to employees
Unlimited fine
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Fire safety duties for Scottish businesses
Your fire safety obligations as a duty holder under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. Covers the shared responsibility model, fire …
Comply with fire safety law as the responsible person
Your legal duties as a responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Covers fire risk assessments, fire …
Sections and provisions
30 classified provisions from this legislation.
Duties 21
- s.3 Duty to review
- s.4 Duty in respect of young persons An employer
- s.5 Assessment and review duty in respect of young persons
- s.6 Assessment and review duty in respect of dangerous substances
- s.7 New work activities where dangerous substances are present
- s.8 Duty to record information
- s.10 Fire safety arrangements
- s.11 Elimination or reduction of risks from dangerous substances conditions necessary pursuant
- s.12 Means for fighting fire and means for giving warning in the event of fire
- s.13 Means of escape person who may require
- s.15 Additional emergency measures in respect of dangerous substances
- s.16 Maintenance
- s.18 Provision of information to employees
- s.19 Provision of information to employers and the self-employed from outside undertakings
- s.20 Training
- s.21 Co-operation and co-ordination
- s.22 Duties of employees
- s.23 Maintenance of measures provided in relevant premises for protection of fire fighters
- s.24 Maintenance of measures provided in the common areas of private dwellings for protection of fire-fighters references
- Capabilities Capabilities
- ... and 1 more duties