Fire Safety Regulations
Fire safety is a critical aspect of any building, whether it’s a home, office, or commercial space. When it comes to fire safety, it’s important to take a proactive approach in order to prevent fires and minimise the risks associated with them.
This has become even more prevalent in recent years, particularly after the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Fire safety faced increased scrutiny following the Inquiry as it highlighted the failings of current fire safety regulations.
As a result of this, there are two key pieces of fire safety regulations you must be aware of as a building owner. These are The Fire Safety Act 2021 and The Building Safety Act 2022.
What is the Fire Safety Act 2021?
The Fire Safety Act 2021 was introduced with an aim to close any loopholes in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to allow people to feel safer in their homes. It is now law for building owners or ‘Responsible Persons’ to take steps to prevent and mitigate the risk of fires, including conducting regular fire risk assessments, implementing fire safety measures, and ensuring that occupants are aware of emergency procedures.
The Act was created following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry to implement the recommendations from Phase 1 of the Inquiry. It also introduced risk-based guidance for building owners or ‘Responsible Persons’ to ensure they comply with their duties under the Act and the Fire Safety Order.
What is the Building Safety Act 2022?
The Building Safety Act 2022 aims to reform the previous building safety legislation as it sets out to improve the safety of individuals living in high-rise buildings. The Act requires building owners to take responsibility for the safety of their tenants by implementing regular inspections and maintenance of their properties. It also sets out new regulations for the construction, design, and management of high-rise buildings.
The Act was introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which highlighted significant failings in building safety regulations. It also includes provisions for increased transparency and accountability, with a focus on ensuring that residents are kept informed about building safety issues.
Learn more about fire safety regulations with AFE Consultancy
At Appraise Fire Engineers (AFE Consultancy), we feel it is our duty to ensure that building owners are fully informed about their obligations under these updated fire safety regulations. Our accredited team of fire engineers will guide you through the legislation in place so you can comply with all relevant regulations. We understand how important it is to protect the lives of those who live and work in these buildings, and with our guidance you can be sure you’re providing a safe environment for everyone involved.
