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What has changed?

Previous fire safety legislation in Scotland has been replaced by the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, as amended, and by regulations made under that Act.

Domestic premises do not generally fall within the scope of this Act, but there are exceptions which include those requiring a licence under the Houses in Multiple Occupation mandatory licensing scheme, and care home premises. However, the legislation does require any equipment or facilities provided for the protection or use of fire-fighters and located in common areas of private dwellings to be maintained.

In general, the legislation seeks to ensure the safety, in the event of fire, of persons (whether they are employees, residents, visitors or others) by setting out the rights and responsibilities of persons in respect of fire safety. Basically anyone who has control to any extent of the premises will have some responsibilities for ensuring that those occupying the premises are safe from harm caused by fire.

Duties imposed by the legislation fall into seven general categories:
Carrying out a fire safety risk assessment of the premises;
Identifying the fire safety measures necessary as a result of the fire safety risk assessment outcome;
Implementing these fire safety measures using risk reduction principles;
Putting in place fire safety arrangements for the ongoing
control and review of the fire safety measures;
Complying additionally with the specific requirements of the fire safety regulations;
Keeping the fire safety risk assessment and outcome under review;
and Record keeping.

Overview

Fire Safety Risk Assessment