Anyone with responsibility for fire safety under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 should ensure they understand the requirements of the new guidance. It covers the changes to the Order made by Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022.
The Fire Safety Order is now a central pillar of legislation governing fire safety in buildings in England and Wales. It covers the common parts of buildings containing two or more domestic premises along with all workplaces and it places legal duties on the Responsible Person to undertake a fire risk assessment and maintain general fire precautions.
The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that external walls, flat entrance doors and building structure are all covered by the Fire Safety Order and must be accounted for in fire risk assessments.
FAQs: Fire Safety Act 2021 (England and Wales)
The Fire Safety Order was introduced in October 2006 and covers the ongoing fire safety management of a building while occupied.
The guidance outlines new areas of responsibility for a Responsible Person in any building regulated by the Fire Safety Order including fire risk assessments and the provision of specified information to residents.
Propertymark continues to work with UK and Welsh Government representatives to ensure legislators understand the practical implications and clarifications needed, for measures covering rented and leased properties.
