The Building Safety Act 2022 came into effect on 1 October 2023 and imposes duties on businesses and building owners.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary fire safety legislation in England and Wales, and it applies to all non-domestic premises as well as the communal parts of residential buildings. Changes to this legislation have been introduced through the Building Safety Act 2022.
Read more about the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
What are the main changes introduced?
Written fire risk assessments and fire safety arrangements
If you are a responsible person, you will need to record both your fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangement in full, regardless of the size or purpose of the business or premises.
Read our advice on fire risk assessments
Enhanced requirements for cooperation and coordination
In premises where there is more than one responsible person, such as multi-occupied premises, or buildings where the occupier and building owner and different entities, there are increased requirement for cooperation and coordination between responsible persons.
Provision of information to residents
In residential buildings with two or more domestic premises, such as a block of flats, then the responsible person must provide residents with information on the risks from fire within their building and fire safety measures provided to keep them safe.
For further information on the legislation, changes and what you need to do to comply, the Government has published guidance which is available on their website.
Check your fire safety responsibilities under Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 on GOV.UK