An update to the Fire Safety (England) Regulation 2022 came into force on 23 January 2023. These Regulations introduce new duties for building owners and managers.

Our insurer partner Zurich looks at what actions will be required.

Background

Updates to the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 are introduced under Article 24 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Most of the requirements are imposed on the ‘Responsible Person’ and it is important that building owners and managers of multi-occupied residential buildings understand the specific actions that they need to take in response to the regulations.

What actions will be required?

The regulations apply to multi-occupied residential buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises. There are additional requirements for residential buildings with storeys over 11 metres in height and further requirements for high-rise residential buildings that are over 18 metres (or 7 storeys) in height.

• Responsible persons of all multi-occupied residential buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises must provide residents with fire safety instructions and information on the importance of fire doors.
• Responsible persons of all multi-occupied residential buildings with storeys over 11 metres in height are required to undertake annual safety checks of flat entrance doors and quarterly checks of all fire doors in common parts of the building.
• Responsible persons of high-rise blocks of flats are also required to provide information to Fire & Rescue Services to assist them to plan and provide an effective operational response, if needed. This includes building plans, floor plans and information regarding the design and materials of the external wall system and details of the building’s Responsible Person. There is also the requirement to undertake and record monthly checks of lifts and other fire-fighting equipment and to report defects, along with the installation of suitable wayfinding signage in stairwells.

Further information

Further information and guidance regarding the specific requirements of the new regulations can be accessed via the Government website.