From The Great Fire of London to Grenfell Tower: A History of Fire Safety Regulations in the UK
For centuries, fire has been a major threat to buildings and the people living or working within them.
From devastating fires like the Great Fire of London in 1666 to the more recent tragedy at Grenfell Tower in 2017, the UK has seen the real-world impact of inadequate fire safety measures.
These tragedies have forced the government to continuously improve and update fire safety regulations, making buildings safer for everyone.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the history of fire safety regulations in the UK, recent updates and changes to legislation, and the responsibilities that homeowners and business owners must adhere to in order to stay compliant.
A Brief History of Fire Safety Regulations in the UK
The Great Fire of London in 1666 is perhaps the most well-known event that shaped fire safety regulations in the UK. This disaster destroyed thousands of buildings and led to new laws requiring buildings to be made of brick and stone rather than timber, as well as appropriate spacing between buildings.
In 1887, the Theater Royal fire brought attention to the need for clear evacuation routes and proper fire exits in public buildings. This led to new safety standards for public spaces.
The Summerland Disaster in 1973 at a leisure complex on the Isle of Man exposed the dangers of highly flammable building materials and pushed for stricter fire risk assessments. And most recently, the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 has resulted in sweeping reforms in fire safety, particularly around cladding materials, sprinkler systems, and evacuation policies.
Recent Changes to Fire Safety Regulations
In response to these tragic events, the government has made several updates and changes to fire safety regulations. These include:
- The Fire Safety Act 2021 – This act expanded the 2005 Fire Safety Order, making sure that external walls, doors, and shared spaces in apartment buildings are properly assessed for fire risk.
- The Building Safety Act 2022 – This act introduces a new building safety regulator, tougher fire safety standards, and responsibilities for landlords and developers. Buildings over 18 meters or with seven or more stories now fall under the “higher risk” category and must undergo stricter fire safety assessments and management.
- The banning of combustible cladding – From now on, buildings over 18 meters cannot use combustible materials on their exteriors to prevent fire from spreading.
- New evacuation plans for high-rise buildings – The introduction of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) ensures that vulnerable residents have clear escape strategies in case of a fire.
- Stricter fire door inspections – Buildings deemed “higher risk” now require routine fire door inspections to ensure they function properly.
Responsibilities for Homeowners
Homeowners also have responsibilities when it comes to fire safety. If you own a home, you must install smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with solid fuel burning appliances. These should be tested monthly and have batteries replaced annually. It is also recommended to replace detectors every 10 years.
If you live in a block of flats or an HMO, it is critical to check if smoke alarms are working, escape routes are clear and well-marked, and if fire doors close properly.
Fire extinguishers and sprinklers should also be in place where required. If any of these are missing or not maintained, inform your landlord or property manager immediately as they are legally responsible for ensuring these safety measures are in place.
Additionally, rental homes must have electrical installations tested by a qualified electrician every 5 years, and portable appliance testing (PAT) is recommended annually for household appliances. All inspections must be recorded for compliance.
And if you store gas cylinders, fuels, or other flammable substances, keep them in well-ventilated and safe areas away from heat sources.
Responsibilities for Business Owners
Business owners also face strict rules and requirements regarding fire safety. These include:
- Fire risk assessments – Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses must regularly assess fire risks and implement safety measures. This takes the form of a fire risk assessment (FRA) that should be done annually.
- Training and awareness – Employees need training on fire prevention, emergency evacuation, and how to use fire extinguishers.
- Clear and well-lit escape routes – These must emergency lights be tested monthly, with a full duration test annually, and all activities must be logged and recorded.
- Provision and maintenance of fire extinguishers – Businesses must have the appropriate type of extinguisher for their environment as well as regular maintenance.
Fire Safety: A Legal Responsibility That Saves Lives
Fire safety regulations are not just a box-ticking exercise – they are a legal responsibility that protects lives.
As homeowners and business owners, we must all do our part to ensure that our buildings are safe and compliant with the latest regulations.
Regular inspections and maintenance can make all the difference in preventing tragedies like those we have witnessed in the past.
