Understanding the Impact of the Fire Safety Regulations 2022 in England
As we approach the end of 2021, it is time to start preparing for the implementation of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
These regulations, set to come into force in January 2023, have been put in place to address the recommendations made by the Independent Grenfell Tower Inquiry. But what exactly do these regulations entail and why are they necessary?
In this joint BSI-IFE webinar, experts discussed the impact of the upcoming fire safety regulations and what is expected from building owners and responsible persons.
But before we delve into the details, let’s take a closer look at the new Fire Safety Act.
Understanding the Fire Safety Act
The Fire Safety Act, which was passed on May 6th, 2021, clarifies that residential buildings must include external walls, front doors, balconies, and other doors in their fire risk assessments.
This means that these structures must be evaluated for fire safety measures and any necessary improvements must be made.
This change in legislation was necessary because prior to the Fire Safety Act, external walls were not typically considered in fire risk assessments.
With over 1.7 million premises requiring updates to their fire risk assessments, there was a concern over the limited capacity of experienced individuals to carry out these assessments.
To assist responsible persons with prioritising these assessments, a Fire Risk Assessment Prioritisation (FRAP) tool was introduced.
The FRAP tool helps building owners determine which premises require an external wall survey first.
However, it is important to note that this tool only focuses on residential buildings.
It is also worth highlighting that non-residential buildings, such as hospitals and libraries, were rarely evaluated for external wall fire safety measures prior to the Fire Safety Act.
Understanding the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 build upon the changes made by the Fire Safety Act and are set to come into force in January 2023.
These regulations aim to address the recommendations made by the Independent Grenfell Tower Inquiry and are one of the biggest sets of changes we have ever seen in building and fire safety.
One of the key changes introduced by these regulations is the inclusion of fire safety responsibilities for building owners and responsible persons.
This means that they will now be held accountable for ensuring their premises comply with fire safety regulations.
The regulations also outline specific duties and requirements for building owners, such as conducting regular fire risk assessments, appointing a competent person to assist with fire safety measures, and maintaining fire safety equipment.
Another significant change is the extension of the scope of existing fire safety legislation to include external walls, balconies, and front doors.
As mentioned earlier, these structures were not previously considered in fire risk assessments, but under the new regulations, they must be evaluated for fire safety measures.
The Impact on Responsible Persons
These regulations will have a significant impact on responsible persons, who now have greater responsibilities to ensure their premises comply with fire safety regulations.
It is important for responsible persons to understand their duties and obligations under these regulations to avoid potential penalties or legal action.
One of the major changes that responsible persons need to be aware of is the requirement to appoint a competent person to assist with fire safety measures.
This person must possess sufficient knowledge, experience, and training to implement fire safety measures effectively. In some cases, this could mean seeking external help from fire safety experts.
Responsible persons must also conduct regular fire risk assessments and make any necessary improvements to ensure their premises comply with fire safety regulations.
This includes evaluating external walls, balconies, and front doors – something that has not been commonly done in the past.
Preparing for the Impact
In order to prepare for the impact of these new regulations, building owners and responsible persons must start taking steps now.
This includes familiarising themselves with the new regulations, understanding their duties and obligations, and seeking assistance from competent individuals or organisations if needed.
It is also important to note that these regulations will not only affect new buildings but also existing ones.
This means that building owners must ensure their current premises are brought up to the necessary fire safety standards.
Final Thoughts
The impact of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 cannot be underestimated.
As we look towards the implementation of these regulations in January 2023, it is crucial for building owners and responsible persons to start preparing now.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety of our buildings and those who inhabit them.
As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. By taking proactive steps towards fire safety, we can prevent future tragedies and keep our communities safe.
Let’s work together to ensure compliance with these regulations and prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals.
