2026-07-20 · HawkSwift Ltd

[fire safety](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/competent-person-duties-under-article-18-of-the-rro-2005) Training for Staff: Legal Requirements & Duties

Under UK fire safety law, providing adequate fire safety training for staff is not just a matter of best practice—it is a strict legal requirement. Whether you run a small office Order 2005 requires the responsible person to ensure that all employees are provided with adequate fire safety training. However, the depth and type of training required will vary depending on an individual's role and their specific risks in the workplace.

To ensure compliance:** Staff appointed to assist in evacuations-fire risk assessment comes in. A proper fire risk assessment identifies the hazards present, the people at risk, and the control measures in place. The findings of this assessment should directly inform your training programme.

For example, if your fire risk assessment identifies a high risk of electrical fires in a server room, your staff training must address how to safely isolate power and which fire extinguisher is safe to use on electrical equipment. The responsible person must ensure that the training provided aligns with the findings of the most recent fire risk assessment.

Record Keeping and compliance

If you employ five or more people, you are legally required to record the significant findings of your fire risk assessment. It is also highly advisable to keep detailed records of all fire safety training provided to your staff. In the event of an inspection by the local Fire and Rescue Service, or in the aftermath of a fire, demonstrating that staff received regular, documented, and relevant training will be crucial in proving that you met your legal duties under the RRO 2005.

Records should include the date of the training, the name of the trainer, the content covered, and the names of the employees who attended.

How HawkSwift Can Help

Ensuring your staff are properly trained starts with a robust, accurate fire risk assessment. At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors can identify the specific risks in your premises and provide clear, actionable recommendations to ensure your training programme meets all legal requirements. We provide comprehensive fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, with detailed 48-hour reports to help you stay compliant and keep your people safe. To get started, simply book a fire risk assessment with our team today.

Frequently asked: "Full Fire Safety Training Should Be Completed Before Working With Vulnerable Individuals"

Fire safety training for staff is a duty under the RRO 2005. Employees must know escape routes, alarm signals and their role in an evacuation. HawkSwift can advise on a compliant training plan for your premises.

Related fire safety guides

Your duties under the RRO 2005

Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it current (Art. 9, RRO 2005).
Identify people at risk, including those who need assistance to evacuate.
Put general fire precautions in place — detection, warning, escape routes, fighting equipment (Art. 11).
Maintain those measures in efficient working order (Art. 17).
Provide staff with fire-safety instruction and training (Art. 21).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.

*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*

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