Revised fire safety regulations now in force

By Anthony Murray, Fire Investigation Specialist at Strange Strange & Gardner

[ THE Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into force on 23 January 2023 and apply to existing properties in England.

In response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the regulations were revised to require those in control of high-rise residential buildings, occupancies that are defined as being those over 18 metres in height or having at least seven storeys, to act as a ‘responsible person’ and to provide fire and rescue services with additional information about their buildings. The information must be provided both in writing and electronically.

It is also a requirement that the responsible person provides information to the fire and rescue services to assist them in planning and implementing an effective response to an emergency. It includes ensuring that a secure information box is fitted in the vicinity of the main entrance to the property. The box must contain a hard copy of the floor plans of the property together with a single page document setting out the key firefighting equipment that is available on site. The contact information for the responsible person should also be stated in the box.

For residential buildings with a height exceeding 11m, the responsible person is required to conduct an annual fire door inspection and a quarterly fire door inspection in common areas. They must provide fire safety instructions and fire door information at all multi-occupancy residential buildings.

Strange Strange & Gardner offer advice, investigations and assistance as well as ongoing support and guidance for the future. For further information call us on 0161 848 0612. q