Which duties are typically the responsibility of the 'responsible person' under the Fire Safety Order in commercial premises?

• A. Carry out a fire risk assessment; implement and maintain fire precautions; provide information and training; ensure safe evacuation; coordinate with others
• B. Inspect fire extinguishers weekly
• C. Prepare annual financial statements
• D. Review insurance policy annually

Answer: (A)

Under the Fire Safety Order, the person in control of a non-domestic premises must take overall responsibility for fire safety. This involves carrying out a fire risk assessment to identify hazards and determine necessary safeguards; implementing and maintaining those fire precautions (such as alarms, escape routes, signage, and appropriate fire-fighting equipment); providing information, instruction and training to employees and occupants; ensuring safe evacuation by keeping exits clear and conducting drills as needed; and coordinating with others who share or occupy the building so that fire safety is managed consistently.

Weekly inspection of extinguishers isn’t mandated as a duty of the responsible person under the Order (maintenance is typically performed by a competent person at appropriate intervals). Preparing annual financial statements and reviewing insurance policies are not part of fire safety duties.