Regulatory amendments improve fire safety in all buildings

Authored by QBE

Amendments to Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) form part of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme

From 1 October 2023, Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) enacts several amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO).

These changes form Phase 3 of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme, building on Phase 1 (the Fire Safety Act 2021) and Phase 2 (the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022) to improve fire safety in all buildings regulated by the FSO.

These amendments (Phase 3) include:

improving cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons (RPs)increasing requirements around recording and sharing fire safety information, creating a continual record for the lifespan of a buildingmaking it easier for enforcement authorities to take action against non-complianceensuring residents have access to comprehensive information about fire safety in their building

The Fire Safety order is aimed at owners and operators of non-domestic premises, blocks of flats and sleeping accommodations including holiday lets and rented rooms in shared houses.  The intention is to ensure that their premises are safe and secure from fire hazards.

QBE urges all responsible persons to thoroughly review the updated guidelines and to ensure the necessary steps have been taken to ensure full compliance.

For more information, visit: New fire safety guidance comes into force on 1 October 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)