Fire principles of prevention
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 consolidated and rationalised previous fire safety legislation and reduced the number of enforcing authorities dealing with general fire safety matters.
Part 3 of Schedule 1 the order defines the principles of prevention as:
- Avoiding risks.
- Evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided.
- Combating the risks at source.
- Adapting to technical progress.
- Replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or less dangerous.
- Developing a coherent overall prevention policy which covers technology, organisation of work and the influence of factors relating to the working environment.
- Giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective measures.
- Giving appropriate instructions to employees.
NB see also CDM principles of prevention.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Fire and rescue service.
- Fire authority.
- Fire detection and alarm system.
- Fire door inspector.
- Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
- Fire inspector.
- Fire Prevention on Construction Sites.
- Fire protection engineering.
- Joint fire code.
- Means of escape.
- Responsible person.
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Visual alarm devices - their effectiveness in warning of fire.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.