The world of building and fire legislation in England is constantly evolving, with new regulations and requirements being introduced in response to ever-changing safety standards.
As the recent Grenfell Tower tragedy highlighted, there is a pressing need for stricter building and fire safety measures to ensure the protection of building occupants.
In this rapidly changing landscape, it can be challenging for building owners, developers, and managers to keep up with the latest laws and requirements.
To provide some insight and practical knowledge on this topic, Dorian Lawrence, the Managing Director of FRC (a leading fire safety and facade expert), hosted a webinar titled “Building and Fire Legislation in England.”
In this webinar, Lawrence reviewed the advancing landscape of building and fire regulation in England, offering key insights and tips to help property owners navigate these changes successfully.
Understanding the Importance of Building and Fire Legislation
Before delving into the details of the various regulations and acts, it is crucial to understand why they are essential.
The primary goal of building and fire legislation is to ensure the safety of building occupants by minimising fire risks.
These laws also aim to safeguard properties from fire damage, making them more sellable, mortgageable, and insurable.
The Role of FRC in Facade and Fire Safety
FRC is a leading fire safety and facade expert that offers a full end-to-end solution for managing fire risks in buildings.
They work extensively throughout England, Scotland, and parts of Wales, providing services such as initial risk assessment reports, emergency remediation planning, remediation works management, and building safety case development.
FRC’s mission is to make buildings safer and ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
They are proud members of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). Furthermore, FRC is also CHAS accredited, which reflects their commitment to high health and safety standards.
Overview of Building and Fire Legislation in England
The webinar focused on three main areas of building and fire legislation: the Fire Safety Act 2021, Fire Safety England Regulations, and the Building Safety Act. This article will provide a brief overview of each area.
The Fire Safety Act 2021
The Fire Safety Act was introduced in March 2020, following the government’s fire safety consultation. It is the first legislative step towards implementing the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1. The act reinforces the 2005 Fire Safety Order, clarifying that external walls are included in the fire safety regulations.
One of the most significant changes brought about by this act is the requirement for an External Wall System (EWS) one form, also known as a “Fire Risk Assessment for External Walls.” This form must be filled out for any residential building higher than 18 meters or six stories. It aims to identify any potential fire risks associated with external walls and recommend remediation measures if necessary.
Fire Safety England Regulations (FSER)
The Fire Safety England Regulations (FSER) came into force in November 2020. These regulations specify that the individual responsible for building safety must conduct a fire risk assessment every year, instead of every five years, as previously required. Furthermore, they also mandate that fire risk assessments must now include external wall systems and cladding systems, making it crucial for property owners to work with experts like FRC to ensure compliance.
The Building Safety Act
Finally, the webinar discussed the most significant change in building and fire legislation in a generation – the Building Safety Act. This act covers both new-build and existing buildings and aims to improve building safety standards across all sectors. It is also expected to have a significant impact on how buildings are managed and maintained in England.
One of the essential aspects of this act is the requirement for buildings to have a Building Assessment Certificate (BAC) or a “Building Safety Case.” This certificate is a comprehensive document that outlines all the safety measures in place within a building. It also identifies any areas that require improvement and lays out a plan for remediation.
The Building Safety Act is still in its early stages, and there are likely to be more changes and updates as it is fully implemented. However, it is essential for all property owners and managers to start preparing for this new act to ensure compliance and the safety of their buildings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of building and fire legislation in England is no easy feat.
However, it is crucial for property owners, managers, and developers to stay informed and seek expert advice to ensure compliance with all regulations and safety standards.
With the help of companies like FRC, building safety can be improved, making properties safer, more marketable, and insurable. So, stay informed, stay compliant, and stay safe.
