These regulations are part of Phase 3 of the Home Office’s fire safety reform program, as outlined in Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022. Building upon the previous phases, Phase 1 (Fire Safety Act 2021) and Phase 2 (Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022), Phase 3 introduces amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to enhance fire safety in all buildings regulated by the FSO.
The aim of Phase 3 is to strengthen fire safety in FSO-regulated premises through various measures:
- Improving cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons (RPs).
- Increasing requirements for recording and sharing fire safety information to maintain a comprehensive record throughout the lifespan of a building.
- Facilitating easier enforcement action against non-compliance by enforcement authorities.
- Ensuring residents have access to comprehensive information regarding fire safety in their building.
At present, the UK Government has not made it mandatory for RPs to ensure the competence of individuals conducting fire risk assessments. However, they are actively collaborating with the sector to develop a robust rollout plan and intend to provide further information and guidance in the upcoming months.
Additionally, three new guides have been published to assist those with fire safety responsibilities in small non-domestic premises, small blocks of flats, and small sleeping accommodations. These guides offer guidance to individuals who have a legal duty for fire safety in relevant buildings. Furthermore, a fire risk assessment 5-step checklist has been made available to aid those responsible for conducting fire safety risk assessments in the simplest premises.
For more detailed information on fire safety legislation and guidance for individuals with legal responsibilities, a collection of resources is available. We have also compiled a FAQ document summarizing the additional measures introduced in England under the Fire Safety Order and expanding upon the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.