Fire safety regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of occupants and properties. With the aim of improving fire safety measures across the board, in 2023 two significant changes to fire safety regulations were introduced which collectively bring about a more comprehensive and robust fire safety framework for all.
The Building Safety Act
1. The Building Safety Act:
The first major change that came into effect in 2023 was within the Building Safety Act. This change mandates that all companies, regardless of their size or number of employees, must conduct a fire risk assessment and maintain a record of its findings.
The requirement for fire risk assessments ensures that companies proactively identify and address potential fire risks. By conducting thorough assessments, businesses can identify fire hazards, evaluate their potential impact, and implement necessary preventive measures. This comprehensive approach to fire risk assessment will help mitigate the likelihood of fire incidents and protect both people and property.
Other changes included within The Building Safety Act:
- Improving the cooperation and cooperation between responsible persons.
- Ensuring residents have access to comprehensive information about fire safety in their building.
- Making it easier for enforcement authorities to take action against non-compliance.
- Ensuring a continual record of fire safety information throughout the lifespan of a building.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
2. Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022:
The second significant change pertains to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which makes it a legal requirement for the Responsible Person of multi-occupied buildings over 11 meters to conduct quarterly checks of all fire doors in communal areas and all flat entry doors to be checked on an annual basis. Fire doors play a crucial role in containing and preventing the spread of fire, providing occupants with vital time to evacuate safely.
Regular fire door inspections ensure their proper functionality and promptly identify any maintenance or repair needs. By conducting quarterly checks, the responsible persons can ensure that fire doors are in optimal condition, closing correctly, and equipped with appropriate intumescent seals and signage. This proactive inspection regime will significantly enhance fire safety in multi-occupied buildings, reducing the risk of fire-related emergencies.
Other changes to Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022:
- High-rise buildings (18m+) must provide their local fire and rescue service with an up-to-date floor plan which indicates key firefighting equipment.
- High-rise buildings (18m+) must provide their local fire and rescue service with up-to-date information about their external wall, this includes the design and the materials used. If any changes are made to the external wall, the responsible person must inform their local fire and rescue service.
- Buildings with storeys over 11m+ in height must require the responsible person to undertake annual fire door inspections of flat entrance doors and quarterly checks of all fire doors in the communal areas.
3. Step in the Right Direction:
The introduction of these two main changes in fire safety regulations in 2023 signifies a fundamental shift towards a more comprehensive and inclusive fire safety framework. Requiring all companies, regardless of their size, to conduct fire risk assessments and record the findings ensures that no business can overlook potential fire hazards. The new regulations empower organisations to prioritise fire safety and take necessary measures to protect their employees and properties.
The regular inspection of fire doors in communal areas is another crucial aspect of fire safety. Ensuring the functionality of fire doors through quarterly checks guarantees that these critical components of fire safety systems are in optimal condition. By maintaining fire doors regularly, responsible persons can effectively reduce the risks of fire incidents, ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants in multi-occupied buildings.
The two main changes in fire safety regulations in 2023, namely the Building Safety Act and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, mark a significant step forward in ensuring comprehensive and robust fire safety measures. The mandatory fire risk assessments for all companies and the regular inspections of fire doors will undoubtedly enhance fire safety across the board. These changes demonstrate a commitment to prioritising fire safety and protecting both individuals and properties, ultimately creating a safer environment for everyone.
4. How we can help you:
If you find yourself impacted by these recent changes, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you in becoming well-prepared and adequately protected against the risk of a fire. Ensuring your safety and safeguarding your property from the dangers of fire is our top priority.
You can contact us by phone at 01832 735874 or send us an email at admin@hasaw.co.uk. We are ready to provide you with the guidance and support you need. Taking proactive measures is crucial for preventing fire incidents and minimising potential losses. Put your trust in Help and Safety at Work and let us help you prioritise your safety.
