UK Government continues to review fire safety as it opens consultation into Regulatory Reform Order

In partnership with the Draft Building Safety Bill that was published earlier this week, the UK Government is doubling its efforts to review fire safety by launching an open consultation into the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

As stated on gov.uk, the “government is determined to continue to learn the lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire”. The open consultation is seeking views on proposals to strengthen the Fire Safety Order, thereby strengthening regulation for how building control bodies consult with Fire and Rescue Authorities.

It also aims to:

• Improve compliance
• Implement recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 Report to place new requirements on building owners/managers of multi-occupied residential buildings
• Improve the framework for consultation between building control and Fire and Rescue Authorities, including the handover of fire safety information

Those who would like to respond and offer their opinions can do so online, email or write to the Fire Safety Unit Consultations office.

You can find out all the information, here.

The consultation is designed for all those involved in fire safety to respond, including:

• Designers
• Developers
• Occupiers
• Employers
• Building owners
• Building safety managers
• Responsible Persons
• Fire risk assessors
• Consultants

BAFE Chief Executive, Stephen Adams, has commented: “Although some excellent review work has been performed since the tragic Grenfell Tower Fire, this consultation is long overdue. BAFE will continue to bang the drum of evidential competency via UKAS Accredited Third Party Certification and the ongoing nature of re-assessment for the upkeep of competency across the whole built environment.

“This is a vital next step to improve fire safety for all buildings and I would hope that everyone with an interest in fire protection will review and comment on the consultation to make this something that can no longer be open to interpretation. Competence must be measurable and have clear definition in legislation to make real compliance a genuinely achievable process for the Regulatory Bodies including the Fire and Rescue Services to enforce.”

Secure your ticket for FIREX 2023!

16-18 May 2023, ExCeL London | Bringing competency in fire safety to the forefront

Connect with the fire safety community at FIREX 2023. You'll find hundreds of leading exhibitors from the active and passive fire sector, showcasing all the latest in fire protection, prevention and detection solutions. With third-party product approvals a condition of exhibiting, visitors can be assured of the quality of solutions they're seeing, and the all-new distributor network is also launching this year.

Network with thousands of peers and likeminded professionals, while attending dedicated conference sessions covering updates in legislation, technology and building safety from leading figures in the industry.

Secure your place by registering for your FREE ticket here!