Fire Safety Responsibilities Under the Building Safety Act 2022

18 February 2025

Fire Safety Responsibilities Under the Building Safety Act 2022

Posted by

Kaizar Ashraf

Fire Safety

Fire Safety Responsibilities – The UK fire safety regulation and enforcement policy have undergone a significant transformation as a result of the Building Safety Act 2022. Therefore, the obligations of individuals involved in building planning, construction, and maintenance were underscored by the Act’s adoption of a new framework for building safety in October 2022. The following article will examine the primary fire safety obligations outlined in the Building Safety Act 2022 UK and guide how to comply with these standards.

What is the Building Safety Act 2022?

The Building Safety Act 2022 (UK) is a landmark piece of legislation that revolutionises English building safety laws. The act introduces an innovative framework for building safety by emphasising preventative and proactive measures to mitigate fire risks. The primary objective is to integrate robust fire safety measures throughout a structure’s lifespan, thereby enhancing occupant safety. This legislation specifically pertains to higher-risk buildings (HRBs), defined as structures over 18 meters in height or consisting of seven or more stories and containing two or more residential units.

Table of Key Responsibilities

Responsibility	Description
Fire Safety Risk Assessment	Identifying and assessing fire risks in a building.
Fire Safety Measures	Implementing actions to reduce fire risks.
Fire Safety Procedures	Developing plans and instructions for responding to a fire.
Fire Safety Training	Providing education and training on fire safety procedures.
Fire Safety Equipment	Ensuring the availability and maintenance of fire safety equipment.
Fire Safety Signage	Installing clear and visible fire safety signage.

Key Duty Holders and Their Responsibilities

The Building Safety Act 2022 emphasises the importance of clear roles and responsibilities in ensuring fire safety standards are met.

Principal Accountable Person (PAP)

Formulate and sustain an exhaustive fire safety strategy.
Guarantee that fire safety measures are regularly inspected and maintained.
Supervise the development and ongoing revision of the Building Safety Case Report.

Accountable Individuals (APs)

Establish and sustain unambiguous fire safety protocols in communal areas.
Foster a relationship with residents by promptly disseminating information regarding fire safety protocols.
Conduct routine fire risk assessments and address any identified hazards.

Persons Responsible for the Design and Construction Phases

From the outset, incorporate fire safety features into architectural and engineering designs.
Ensure the establishment of the Golden Thread of Information, which will establish a dependable record of the ongoing maintenance history and safety features.
Comply with stringent quality assurance protocols throughout the construction process.

Duty holders can more effectively contribute to the fulfilment of fire safety standards, and individuals can take measures to ensure the safety of their residences by comprehending these critical roles and responsibilities.

What is Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Section 156, was amended to incorporate these amendments into the Building Safety Act 2022.

The key responsibilities of Section 156 consist of:

Documenting your fire risk assessment and other pertinent data
Providing residents with pertinent fire safety information in a manner that is readily comprehensible to them
Compiling your contact information, which will include a UK-based address
Disseminating pertinent fire safety hazards and preventative and protective measures to other Responsible Persons and residents of multi-domestic unit premises, as appropriate

It is crucial to acknowledge that the application and interpretation of Section 156 can be intricate. Therefore, individuals or organisations that are directly affected by these regulations may need to conduct a comprehensive review of the entire legislative text and potentially seek legal advice.

Cooperation and Coordination between Responsible Persons

To ensure adherence to fire safety standards, responsible persons must cooperate and coordinate. This includes:

Collaborating with other responsible persons on the site to ensure a unified approach to fire safety.
Notifying other responsible persons of the scope of their obligations under the Fire Safety Order and identifying them.
Keeping track of this information and ensuring the implementation of fire safety procedures.

Compliance and Record-Keeping

It is crucial to preserve precise records of fire safety assessments, arrangements, and measures. This includes the following:

Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment: Conduct a fire risk assessment to identify potential fire hazards and implement appropriate measures.
Develop a Fire Safety Management System: Establish a fire safety management system to identify and mitigate potential fire hazards.
Conduct Consistent Fire Drills: Conduct consistent fire drills to evaluate the efficacy of emergency procedures.
Maintain Records: Maintain records of emergency procedures, fire safety management systems, and fire risk assessments.
Consult with Local Authorities: To guarantee adherence to pertinent regulations and standards, consult with local authorities.

Increased Penalties for Violations

The Building Safety Act 2022 increases the penalties for certain offences. It is imperative to guarantee adherence to pertinent regulations and standards.

Applicability of the Act

Buildings constructed or substantially reconstructed after the Act’s implementation, typically in April 2023, are subject to the Building Safety Act 2022. The Act’s requirements may also apply to existing buildings that undergo substantial renovations or modifications.

High-Risk Buildings:

The Act identifies high-risk buildings that necessitate more stringent fire safety measures. These consist of:

High-density residential areas: Buildings with high population densities, such as apartment blocks or housing estates.
Industrial sites: Facilities that manage flammable materials, such as storage depots or manufacturing plants.
Commercial buildings: Offices, retail stores, and other commercial premises that necessitate consistent occupancy.

Fire Safety Requirements

In 2022, the Building Safety Act implemented new fire safety regulations for specific buildings. These regulations are intended to enhance fire safety and safeguard individuals in the event of a conflagration.

Who is responsible for enforcing the Fire Safety Order?

The Fire Safety Order is the primary legislation that regulates fire safety in the United Kingdom. The enforcement of the Fire Safety Order, which encompasses the new requirements outlined in the Building Safety Act 2022, is divided among various authorities.

Building Type	Enforcing Body	Responsible Person
Non-domestic premises	Local fire and rescue authorities	Building owner or manager
Non-domestic parts of multi-occupied residential buildings	Local Authority	Building owner or manager
Non-occupied buildings on construction sites	Health and Safety Executive (HSE)	Construction site manager
Sites occupied by the armed forces	Defence Fire Safety Regulator	Military commander
Buildings occupied or owned by the government	Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate	Government department or agency

Key Points

The Building Safety Act of 2022 is a legislative initiative that establishes new regulations and obligations regarding fire protection in buildings.
Section 156 of the Act delineates the specific fire safety obligations of both individuals and organisations.
It is essential to adhere to fire safety legislation to guarantee the protection of both individuals and property.
Legal Consequences: Failure to adhere to fire safety legislation may result in legal repercussions, such as imprisonment and penalties.
Compliance is the responsibility of individuals and organisations that have legal obligations regarding fire protection.
This guidance applies to Responsible Persons (RP) who are accountable for the protection of buildings.
RPs encompass building owners, managers, and other individuals or organisations who are legally responsible for fire protection.

Conclusion

The Building Safety Act 2022 UK represents a substantial change in the manner in which fire safety is regulated and enforced in the United Kingdom. It is the responsibility of building owners and occupiers to ensure that their structures are designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner that reduces the likelihood of fire. Building owners and occupiers can mitigate the risk of fire and guarantee a secure working environment for all occupants by adhering to the Act’s requirements and instituting effective fire safety measures.

Call to Action

Act Now to Ensure a Safer Tomorrow
The Building Safety Act of 2022 necessitates immediate attention. Ensure that the safety protocols of your building are current and per the most recent regulations.

Take Action Today:

Evaluate your fire safety strategies.
Revise your compliance frameworks.
Interact with individuals who are reliable and reputable.

Do not wait for obstacles to present themselves. Protect yourself from potential legal consequences by taking action immediately. Take the lead in shaping a future that prioritises accountability and safety. Act immediately to protect the lives, well-being, and assets of all building occupants. For expert advice on the Building Safety Act 2022 and fire safety standards, please consult us.