Fire Safety Act 2021

The Fire Safety Act 2021 is a pivotal reform to fire safety legislation in the UK, aimed at improving fire risk management in multi-occupied residential properties. Drawing on the foundations of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, this Act clarifies and extends responsibilities to ensure fire safety in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Here, we summarise the Act’s key elements, its impact, and what responsible individuals and organisations need to know.

What is the Fire Safety Act?

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarifies fire safety laws in the UK, ensuring that residential buildings must manage and reduce fire risks effectively. It addresses areas previously overlooked, such as individual flat entrance doors and external walls, which often contribute to fire spread. The Act aligns with the Fire Safety Order 2005, reinforcing the importance of regular fire risk assessments.

This legislation also paves the way for the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which mandate additional safety measures for specific building types. Together, these frameworks ensure that fire risks in multi-occupied residential buildings are more comprehensively managed.

What changes will the Fire Safety Act 2021 bring?

The Fire Safety Act 2021 introduces several important changes to fire safety management, including:

1. Expanded scope of fire risk  assessments

Fire safety now extends beyond communal areas to include external walls, balconies, and flat entrance doors. This ensures a more comprehensive evaluation of fire risks in multi-occupied residential properties.

2. Clearer responsibilities

The Act explicitly defines the duties of the responsible person, typically a property owner or manager, making it clear that they must actively identify and mitigate fire risks.

3. Enhanced prioritisation of risks

Using tools like the risk assessment prioritisation, property managers can focus on buildings that pose the greatest risk, ensuring resources are allocated where they are needed most.

4. Stronger legal framework

The Act strengthens enforcement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, allowing authorities to take decisive action against non-compliance.

By addressing these areas, the Act helps prevent fire-related tragedies and ensures greater accountability in fire safety management.

Who does the Fire Safety Act 2021 apply to?

The Act applies primarily to multi-occupied residential buildings. This includes:

• Flats and apartments with shared communal areas.
• Buildings with external wall systems or cladding requiring additional inspection.
• Any structure where fire risk assessments are mandated under existing regulations.

In short, the Act ensures that all residential buildings must manage and reduce fire risks to protect occupants and surrounding communities.

What must the Fire Safety Act 2021 responsible person do?

The responsible person, as defined by the Act, is accountable for ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. This typically includes building owners, landlords, or property managers. Their duties involve:

1. Conducting comprehensive fire risk assessments: Evaluate risks from external walls, cladding, and flat entrance doors.
2. Implementing fire safety measures: Address identified risks through repairs, upgrades, or policy changes.
3. Maintaining regular assessments: Continuous evaluations to ensure compliance with both the Act and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
4. Providing clear guidance: Ensure residents are informed about fire safety protocols and evacuation procedures.

By proactively managing fire risks, the responsible person plays a crucial role in protecting lives and property.

Fire Safety Act 2021 commencement date

The Fire Safety Act 2021 officially came into force on 16 May 2022. This provided building owners and managers with a clear timeline to adapt their procedures and comply with the new requirements.

The subsequent Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 took effect on 23 January 2023, introducing further measures to enhance fire safety. These include:

• Regular checks on fire doors, both in communal areas and individual flats.
• Installation of wayfinding signage to aid firefighters during emergencies.

Property managers should now have all necessary measures in place to comply with these regulations. Failure to do so could result in legal penalties.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information on the Fire Safety Act 2021, consider the following resources:

• Official Government Guidance: Comprehensive details about the Act and its implementation.
• Dabedan’s Expertise: As a leader in flame-retardant textiles, we offer solutions to help properties meet fire safety standards.
• Industry Regulations: Keep up-to-date with the latest fire safety regulations, including the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

If you manage or own a multi-occupied residential property, it is crucial to stay informed and ensure compliance with these regulations.

Conclusion

The Fire Safety Act 2021 represents a landmark reform in the UK’s fire safety framework. By addressing critical areas of risk, such as external walls and flat entrance doors, it ensures that multi-occupied residential properties are better equipped to prevent and respond to fires.

At Dabedan, we understand the importance of fire safety and offer high-quality flame-retardant fabrics to support compliance. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create safer environments for your residents.