On 1st October, new fire safety regulations 2023 came into force, as the Fire Safety Order has been updated. This has ramped up some of the legal responsibilities on businesses to keep people and properties safe. They tightened up enforcement against businesses that don’t comply. But what do the changes mean for you?
This blog will help you understand how the new fire safety regulations impact you and your business, including adjustments to previous legislation, how you might have to react, and how to get help to maintain compliance.
What are the new fire safety regulations 2023?
There are a range of new provisions within the new fire safety regulations. But in particular, there are some that you should be aware of:
- Written Fire Risk Assessments: Responsible Persons on all business premises are required to record Fire Risk Assessments and safety arrangements in full. Previously, this only applied for employers of five people or more
- Cooperation and coordination: where premises have more than one Responsible Person, such as those with multiple occupiers, the expectations for collaboration between those parties have increased
- Greater enforcement: the authorities responsible for enforcing fire safety and compliance have been given the power to levy increased fines (or custodial sentences). Some offences and authorities will be able to take action more easily. These authorities will include a new Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
How do the updates impact business owners?
For all businesses, the new fire safety regulations will increase the amount of work that they will have to do to keep people safe and stay compliant.
Responsible Persons will have to work with other stakeholders on their premises, ensure that all risk assessment records and safety arrangements are fully documented, and communicate all safety measures and plans to everyone on the premises.
How can business owners prove compliance with the new fire safety regulations 2023?
The best way to comply with the new fire safety regulations 2023 is to conduct a full Fire Risk Assessment, in the context of these expanded requirements. This can help you identify any areas where you may have been compliant but now need improvement, and help you draft and record all the documentation that the new legislation demands.
Need help preparing for the new fire safety regulations 2023?
If you feel that you’re struggling to meet the changes within the new fire safety regulations 2023, or need expert advice, then Commercial Fire Protection is here to help you. Our years of expertise, and familiarity with the details of the new regulations, means that we can advise on any new fire safety measures you may need to deploy on your premises.
CFP is fully-certified by the BM Trada Q-Mark Scheme, and all our risk assessors are members of the Institute of Fire Managers and the Institute of Fire Engineers. Put simply: we have the experience and credentials you need to bring your building back to compliance with the new fire safety regulations 2023 quickly, cost-effectively and with added peace of mind.
To find out more, get in touch with the CFP team today.
