Undertaking a fire risk assessment has always been a good fire risk management approach and since the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) and The Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (FSSR) came into force, it is now a legal requirement.

Under the laws a 'responsible person' (usually the owner, employer or occupier of business or industrial premises) must carry out a fire risk assessment. Responsible persons under the Order are required, following a risk assessment, to implement appropriate fire safety measures to minimise the risk to life from fire; and to keep the assessment up to date.