What can responsible persons do to reduce the risk of fire in their residential buildings?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021) and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (which come into force on 23 January 2023) place a legal requirement upon employers and persons with responsibility for premises, including residential buildings.

These responsibilities and safety measures are designed to protect life regardless of fire service intervention. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that all existing fire safety provisions are in place and effective.

Responsible persons for premises may wish to consider reviewing their fire risk assessment and should check their existing fire precautions are in place and working effectively.

Following a review of the assessment of risk, they should make any necessary adjustments and ensure that, through their resident engagement strategy, residents are aware of the risk reduction measures for the premises and the actions they should take in the event of a fire.