The Building Safety Act 2022

Aims to enhance building safety and accountability throughout the construction process and introduces a holistic approach to building safety, emphasising fire door integrity from design to occupancy. It also increases duties for the Responsible Person, clarifies the Competent Person's qualifications and highlights the importance of storing the building’s information known as “The Golden Thread”.

 

Firstly, Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations which establishes a link to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and requires the contractor to provide fire safety information, including those relating to all the components of the installed fire door assembly, to the ’Responsible Person’ at the completion of a project, or when the building or extension is first occupied. Secondly, The Building Safety Act 2022 mandates 'Duty Holders,' including building owners and facility managers, to implement digital systems for record-keeping of this information. BS 8644-1 introduces a digital framework, including BIM frameworks, to seamlessly manage fire safety information across all stages of a building's life cycle, including existing structures.

 

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005:

 

A significant piece of fire safety legislation that imposes a legal duty on building owners to adhere to its provisions.

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• Appointment of Responsible Person: Building owners are required to appoint a 'responsible person' who will oversee fire safety compliance within the premises. This person could be the owner, manager, employer, headmaster, CEO, or other formally assigned relevant authority.

• Maintenance Program Requirement: Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order mandates the implementation of a suitable fire safety maintenance program. This program ensures that relevant equipment, including fire doors and escape doors, is maintained in proper working order.

• Competent Persons Requirement: Article 18 of the Fire Safety Order obliges the 'responsible person' to appoint one or more 'competent persons' to assist in undertaking preventative and protective fire safety measures. These competent persons should demonstrate their competence in fire safety ie. like a Certified Fire Door Inspector can do.

• Mandatory Compliance: It is crucial to emphasise that compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order is mandatory. Building owners, managers, and relevant authorities must adhere to its provisions to ensure the safety of occupants and property.

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The Fire Safety Act 2021:

This unequivocally extends the scope of the Fire Safety Order to encompass structure, external walls, flat entrance and communal doors in multi-occupied residential buildings.

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The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022:

Reinforce the legal requirements for responsible persons in such buildings with storeys over 11 meters in height including

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• Annual Checks of Flat Entrance Doors: Responsible Persons are obligated to conduct annual checks of flat entrance doors within the residential building. This involves inspecting and ensuring the proper functioning and compliance of individual flat entrance doors, including self0-closing devices.

• Quarterly Checks of All Fire Doors in Communal Areas: Quarterly checks are mandated for all fire doors in communal areas of the residential building. This includes doors in shared spaces such as corridors, stairwells, or communal areas. The checks aim to verify the integrity and functionality of these doors on a regular basis.

• Information to Residents: Responsible Persons are required to provide residents with information related to the importance of fire doors in fire safety. This involves communicating the significance of fire doors, their role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke, and their contribution to overall building safety.

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How LFDC can help the 'Responsible Person'

 

 

Ensuring Safety and Compliance:

Fire doors play a pivotal role in a building's Passive Fire Protection, demanding meticulous inspection to safeguard occupants and property. LFDC offers invaluable support to the Responsible Person, ensuring compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

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Annual Fire Risk Assessment:

LFDC carries out a detailed review of the mandatory annual fire risk assessment report and uses its expertise to ensure a thorough and compliant inspection process.

 

Role of the Responsible Person:

The Responsible Person, under legal obligations, oversees fire safety and fire door inspections. LFDC assists in the inspection process, ensuring fire doors are in optimal condition and meet safety standards.

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Critical Importance of Fire Doors:

Fire doors compartmentalise and prevent fire spread, offering crucial time for evacuation. LFDC emphasises their significance in Passive Fire Protection, contributing to life-saving measures and property protection.

 

Fire Door Inspection Process:

Qualified inspectors at LFDC conduct thorough fire door inspections, providing detailed reports to the Responsible Person. Proactive inspections identify issues promptly, preserving the effectiveness of fire doors.

 

Guidance for Responsible Persons:

LFDC offers a guide for Responsible Persons, emphasising the importance of appointing a Competent Person with fire safety expertise. Knowledge assessment, component inspections, maintenance awareness, and ongoing training contribute to effective fire door management.

 

Components Inspection and Maintenance:

Regular inspections cover all fire door components, ensuring optimal functionality. LFDC emphasises prompt attention to maintenance needs, addressing repairs or upgrades promptly for sustained effectiveness.

 

Technical Seminar Presentations:

LFDC’s technical seminar presentations are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of Responsible Persons, fostering effective fire door inspection and maintenance practices.

 

Engaging Certified Professionals:

LFDC recommends engaging certified fire door inspectors for complex maintenance needs. Certified professionals ensure accurate assessments and maintenance, instilling confidence in compliance.

 

Stay Informed on Regulations:

LFDC guides Responsible Persons in staying informed about evolving regulations and standards governing fire doors. Regular updates ensure continuous compliance with the latest requirements.

 

Shared Responsibility for Safety:

LFDC highlights the shared responsibility in fire door safety. A well-informed approach, prioritising knowledge, training, and proactive maintenance, contributes to ongoing compliance and risk minimisation.