Residential buildings in England are subject to a robust set of fire safety regulations aimed at safeguarding occupants. As of my last update in September 2021, here's an overview of these rules, including recent legislative changes that have been put in place to enhance the fire safety standards.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, often abbreviated as RRO or FSO, forms the core of England’s fire safety regulations. It applies to all non-domestic premises, including common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupations (HMOs). This law requires the person in control of a premise, known as the ‘responsible person’, to carry out a thorough fire risk assessment, and based on the findings, implement suitable fire safety measures.
Housing Act 2004
The Housing Act 2004 introduces the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which provides an evaluation tool to identify potential hazards in homes, including fire. Local authorities use this system to ensure residential properties are safe for residents, and it may include requiring landlords to undertake improvements to lessen potential risks.
The Building Regulations 2010
The Building Regulations 2010 provides specifications on the standards for design, construction and changes to buildings. A critical section of these regulations is Part B, which covers fire safety. The rules under Part B involve requirements for fire alarms, fire doors, escape routes, and the materials used in construction to ensure they offer suitable resistance to fire.
Fire Safety Act 2021
A significant recent update to fire regulations in England is the Fire Safety Act 2021. This Act amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to clarify that the responsible person or duty-holder for multi-occupied, residential buildings are accountable for managing and reducing the risk of fire for the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows, and entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry Recommendations
In the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, an inquiry made a series of recommendations to tighten fire safety regulations further. The government has committed to implementing these recommendations, which include new responsibilities for building owners or managers, new measures to empower residents, and more robust enforcement powers for fire and rescue services.