New Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: What Responsible Persons Need to Know Now
Staying Compliant Just Got More Detailed: The 2022 Regulations Explained
The landscape of fire safety in England has seen significant updates, particularly with the introduction of The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. These regulations, which came into force on 23 January 2023, are a direct outcome of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations and aim to enhance fire safety in buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises.
If you are a 'Responsible Person' for a multi-occupied residential building in Dorset or Somerset, these changes are critical. Here's what you need to know:
Who is a 'Responsible Person'?
Before diving into the changes, let's quickly recap. A 'Responsible Person' (RP) is typically:
The employer (if it's a workplace).
The owner of the property.
Anyone in control of the premises (e.g., facility manager, managing agent).
For multi-occupied residential buildings, this often includes landlords, property management companies, and freeholders.
Key Requirements Under the 2022 Regulations:
The new regulations introduce specific legal duties for Responsible Persons for all multi-occupied residential buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises, regardless of height. For buildings over 11 metres in height, additional requirements apply.
For ALL Multi-Occupied Residential Buildings (any height):
Fire Safety Information to Residents: You must provide residents with information on the risks of fire, the relevant fire safety measures in their building, and what they must do in the event of a fire. This information should be clear, comprehensive, and updated regularly.
Fire Doors Information: You must provide residents with information about the importance of fire doors (e.g., keeping them closed, not tampering with self-closers).
For High-Rise Residential Buildings (over 11 metres / 7 storeys):
In addition to the above, Responsible Persons for higher-risk buildings now have significantly increased duties:
Share Fire Safety Information: Electronically provide local Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) with current plans of the building, information on the external walls, and details of any identified fire risks. This must be kept up-to-date.
External Wall Assessment: Undertake regular checks of the building's external walls and fire doors in communal parts.
Lift & Fire Fighting Equipment Checks: Conduct monthly checks of lifts (including evacuation lifts) and firefighting equipment.
Wayfinding Signage: Install clear signage that indicates floor and flat numbers in the stairwells of high-rise buildings.
Secure Storage of Information: Securely store all fire safety information (including the fire risk assessment) for future reference.
Why These Changes Matter to You
These regulations are not optional. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines and even imprisonment. More importantly, they are designed to save lives and protect property. Ensuring your Fire Risk Assessment is up-to-date and reflects these new duties is paramount.
Need Help Achieving Compliance?
Navigating these new regulations can be complex. At Pinks Fire Safety, we specialize in comprehensive, PAS-79 compliant Fire Risk Assessments for properties across Dorset & Somerset. We can help you understand your specific obligations under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and ensure your premises are fully compliant and safe.
Contact us today for a free consultation or an instant quote to discuss your updated fire safety needs.