What You Need To Know About The Future Of Fire Safety Regulations
The Grenfell Tower fire was a watershed moment for fire safety in Britain. The 2017 fire at Grenfell Tower saw 72 people lose their lives and the ensuing inquiry has stirred the public’s support for fire safety reforms in the built environment – from the building planning phase to evacuation and firefighting. While criticism has been levelled against government for the slow implementation of reforms, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 are set to mitigate risks and restore public confidence.
The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Multi-Occupancy Residential Buildings
An Extension of the Fire Risk Assessment
Responsible persons of multi-occupancy residential buildings (those with two or more domestic premises) will need to update their fire risk assessment to encompass the building’s structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors. Irrespective of the height of the building, these focal points are to be included in fire risk assessments going forward.
Risk-Based Guidance
A building owner or manager must show adherence to ‘risk-based guidance’ relating to structure, external walls, flat entrance doors, and other doors connected to fire escape routes in multi-occupancy residential buildings. The consequences of non-compliance include criminal charges and fines.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Combined with the Fire Safety Act, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations place compliance requirements on different buildings according to height and layout. The regulations are applicable under Article 24 of the Fire Safety Order (FSO) 2005.
The Response of Fire and Rescue Services
Responsible persons in high-rise multi-occupancy residential buildings are required to supply Fire and Rescue Services with information to plan and, in some cases, outline their response in an emergency. This includes supplying Fire and Rescue Services with a building plan. A single-page building plan with fire safety equipment information and the details of the responsible person also needs to be supplied in an on-site information box.
Fire Safety Instructions For Tenants
Responsible persons are tasked with supplying tenants of all multi-occupancy residential buildings with fire safety instructions, as well as information on the importance of fire doors. The regulations create a different burden of compliance for existing and new buildings.
External Wall Systems Risk and Mitigation
Responsible persons are required to supply Fire and Rescue Services with information on the design and materials of external walls – and they need to provide updates to any changes made to these. This needs to include the risk of same, as well as any mitigating factors applied.
Monthly Fire Equipment Checks
Lifts, fire evacuation lifts, and firefighting equipment needs to be the subject of monthly testing. The check results need to be made available to residents and defects must be rectified within 24 hours or reported to Fire and Rescue Service.
Evacuation Signage
This needs to be visible in smoky and low-light conditions.
Work With Facilities Maintenance Specialists To Ensure Fire Safety Compliance
Are you concerned about fire safety compliance in your existing building? Are you looking for fire safety compliance advice for a new building? Partner with Voltix Services for expert advice on changing regulations to safeguard residents and ensure fire safety compliance. From firefighting equipment checks to smart technologies for fire safety, we simplify compliance for peace of mind and streamlined operations. Contact Voltix Services to discuss your needs today.