Fire Safety Legislation & Regulation
Navigating fire safety legislation is complex, but it’s essential for protecting lives, assets, and business continuity. Here we guide you through key fire safety legislation, helping you understand and meet every regulatory requirement with confidence.
Primary fire safety legislation in the UK
Fire safety regulations are designed to safeguard people and properties across all environments, from commercial buildings to public spaces and residential complexes.
Each nation in the UK has their own primary fire safety legislation which requires property owners, employers, and landlords to ensure their premises are equipped with adequate fire safety measures. This includes maintaining systems, performing regular fire risk assessments, and taking proactive steps to prevent fire risks.
Failing to comply not only endangers lives but can also lead to significant legal and financial repercussions. When we work with you, compliance becomes a proactive part of your fire safety strategy, giving you peace of mind that every requirement is met.
The regulations for each nation include:
– England & Wales – the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
– Scotland – the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
– Northern Ireland – the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
Fire Safety Order (FSO)
The Fire Safety Order (FSO) applies to all workplaces and shared areas of a building with two or more domestic premises. The only buildings they don’t apply to are private homes and individual flats in an apartment block.
The FSO requires the ‘responsible person’, which is usually someone who has a significant control over the premises such as the building owner, managing agent, or a workplace manager for example, to ensure the fire safety within a building including:
– Conducting and recording a fire risk assessment
– Implementing and maintaining general fire precautions
There have also been recent amendments, such as the Fire Safety Act 2021, that clarified the FSO cover external walls, flat entrance doors, and the structure of buildings. Similarly, additions to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, require the ‘responsible person’ to provide additional safety measures for multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres in height.
Our commitment to you goes beyond initial assessments and recommendations. We believe in empowering you with the knowledge to uphold fire safety across every corner of your property.
We’re here to support you with any questions you may have regarding fire safety regulations. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to learn more about your responsibilities or to find out how we can make sure you’re adhering to current legislation.
0808 196 4527
