If you’ve ever come across older fire safety documents or spoken to someone who’s been in business for a while, you might have heard about something called a fire certificate.
These were once a common feature in business and public buildings—but they’re no longer in use.
So, what was a fire certificate, who issued them, and why were they replaced? Let’s take a look at how fire safety law has evolved—and what it means for you today.
The Old System: Fire Certificates
Before 2006, fire safety in many premises was governed by the Fire Precautions Act 1971.
Under this system, buildings classed as high risk—such as hotels, factories, offices, and shops—required a fire certificate.
A fire certificate was a formal document issued by the local fire authority.
To get one, a fire officer would inspect the premises, assess fire safety arrangements, and specify what equipment and systems were required.
The certificate might include details like the number and type of fire extinguishers, fire exit signage, fire doors, alarms, and escape routes.
Once issued, the certificate remained valid unless significant changes were made to the building or how it was used.
In many cases, businesses would simply keep their certificate on file and assume they were covered.
Who Carried Out the Inspections?
Fire certificates were issued by fire service officers, typically from the fire safety or prevention department of the local fire brigade. They had the authority to enter premises, carry out inspections, and enforce compliance.
While this system ensured that buildings were reviewed by trained professionals, it had its drawbacks—especially as the number of premises needing inspections grew.
Why Were Fire Certificates Replaced?
In 2006, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into effect, sweeping away many older fire laws—including the requirement for fire certificates.
There were several reasons for the change:
- Modernisation and simplification – The old system was seen as overly complicated and inconsistent. Different rules applied to different types of premises, and compliance could vary depending on local fire service resources.
- Shifting responsibility – Instead of relying on the fire brigade to inspect and certify buildings, the new law placed the responsibility firmly on the person in control of the premises—the employer, landlord, or building manager. They are now known as the responsible person under the Fire Safety Order.
- Cuts to fire service funding – As public sector budgets tightened, fire services had fewer resources to carry out proactive inspections. The move away from fire certificates helped reduce the burden on fire brigades, shifting more of the responsibility to those who own or manage buildings.
Under the new system, rather than waiting for the fire service to visit, the responsible person must now carry out a fire risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk and protect occupants.
What This Means for You Today
If you’re still holding on to an old fire certificate, it’s no longer valid—and hasn’t been since 2006.
The legal requirement today is to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place and to act on its findings.
This applies to all non-domestic premises and common areas in residential buildings, including:
- Shops, offices, and warehouses
- Pubs, restaurants, and cafes
- Workshops and garages
- Schools, nurseries, and care homes
- Holiday lets and HMOs
- Communal areas in blocks of flats
Your fire risk assessment should be reviewed regularly and updated when things change—such as building alterations, changes in use, or new equipment being introduced.
How ESI Can Help
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we help property managers, landlords, and business owners stay compliant with modern fire safety law. We carry out professional fire risk assessments, recommend the right fire protection equipment, and provide ongoing support to keep your premises safe.
We work across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and the wider Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire areas, supporting everyone from small independent businesses to larger commercial landlords.
If you’re unsure about your current fire safety responsibilities, or if you’re relying on outdated paperwork, give us a call. We’ll help you bring everything up to date—without the jargon or stress.
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