Fire safety regulations have always been essential to health and safety both in the workplace and in the home.
However, following the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, a number of new rules have been introduced and regulations updated, building on the responsibilities of duty holders.
What legislative changes have been made since Grenfell?
When it comes to legislation, the important thing to note is that building regulations and fire safety are devolved.
That means that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may not have made the exact same changes that the English government has decided to enact.
The new rules took effect between October 2023 and April 2024 and covered the changes made to the Fire Safety Order and the introduction of the Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Act and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
A key change to the Fire Safety Order was that the Responsible Person must now record their Fire Risk Assessment in full and record the identity of the individual (their name and, if applicable, their organisation).
All fire risk assessments must also be in writing. Previously, this was only required if there were five or more employees.
Finally, if the responsible person is leaving the business, the fire risk assessment and other information must be shared with the incoming responsible person.
Additionally, in multiple occupancy buildings such as office blocks rented by multiple companies, all of the responsible persons must communicate and coordinate between themselves and share any relevant information.
In residential buildings with two or more domestic premises, (for example, blocks of flats) the responsible person must provide residents with information on the risks from fire in their building and the fire safety measures provided to keep them safe.
What new fire safety legislation has been introduced?
As mentioned above, new legislation has been introduced since Grenfell which is now in full effect. This includes the Building Safety Act, Fire Safety Act and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
A new government body, the Building Safety Regulator, has also been created in order to enforce these rules.
The Building Safety Act (2022) was introduced to improve the design, construction and management of Higher-Risk buildings.
A Higher Risk building is defined in Section 65 of the Act as a building which is at least 18 metres in height or has at least 7 storeys and contains at least 2 residential units.
There are several exceptions to this such as hospitals, MoD sites and hotels.
The Fire Safety Act (2021) clarifies that the Responsible Persons for multi-occupied residential buildings must manage and reduce the risk of fire for the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows, and entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts.
The Building Safety Regulator is a part of the HSE and is responsible for setting standards for the design and construction of higher-risk buildings, helping accountable persons manage building safety and overseeing the Registration of building control bodies and professionals.
What should workplace fire risk assessments include?
Identify the fire hazards- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks
- Record your findings
- Prepare an emergency plan
- Provide training
- Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly.
The above list is what is required as part of a fire risk assessment.
Make sure to consider emergency routes and exits, fire detection/warning systems, fire righting equipment, the removal or safe storage of dangerous substances, the needs of vulnerable people (e.g. the elderly, young children). Above all, make sure to provide this information to employees and anyone else on the premises!
How can WA Management help?
WA Management offer a Fire Safety online training course which covers recognising preventable risks and how to react in emergency situations.
We can also create bespoke fire risk assessments for your business, along with a risk assessment pack to address specific risks.
Electrical Safety and Fire Safety training courses are essential tools in preventing fires in the workplace. Make sure you don’t miss out on our 10% off deal on these courses, available until the end of September. Simply enter the code ‘fire10’ at checkout to save!
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