New fire safety guidance comes into force on 1 October 2023
16th August 2023
From 1st October 2023, Section 156 of the Building Safety Order 2022 will amend the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The government have rolled out crucial fire safety changes split across various phases, with phase 1 and phase 2 already implemented, and now phase three is due to come into force October this year.
But, what do these changes mean moving forward? Here is an overview of what these amendments will entail:
- All fire risk assessments should be fully documented. Note: Not just the significant findings of the FRA report and five or more staff employed as previously required by fire legislation.
- Anyone appointed for fire risk assessments must be competent.
- Responsible Person must keep records of relevant fire safety matters.
- Additional information must be supplied to all domestic residents. Note: New Article 21A.
- Information to other Responsible Persons. Note: New Article 22 (A1).
- Handover of fire safety information to new Responsible Persons. Note: New Article 22A.
- Requires cooperation between Responsible Person and Accountable Person. Note: New Article 22B.
- The Fire Authority Inspectors will have more power to ensure compliance under Article 27. Note: New offences and increased penalties up to unlimited fines for non-compliance.
The Home Office is planning to release new legislation guidance under Article 50 before 1st October 2023, to give clarity on the forthcoming amendments. Vulcan Fire Training advise all fire risk assessors should invest time in their continual professional development (CPD), to understand these changes, to ensure you are offering the correct recommendations in your PAS-79:2020 fire risk assessment reports.
If you're looking to brush up on your fire safety knowledge, take a look at our full course portfolio here, or alternatively if you need help choosing which course, contact us on 01925 211 488 and our team will be happy to help.
