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THIS month has seen the launch of a new registration process for all high-rise residential buildings in England.
According to the Building Safety Regulator, which is part of the Health and Safety Executive, all residential buildings which are seven storeys, or at least 18 metres tall, must be registered by October 1.
Principal Accountable Persons (PAP) are required to fill in the forms online, to help protect the safety and wellbeing of all residents.
Understanding the background
On April 22, 2022, the Building Safety Act gained Royal Assent giving residents and homeowners more rights and better protections.
The Act makes clear how buildings should be constructed, maintained and kept safe. The owners of any buildings covered by the Act should have their building safety programmes in place by October 1.
In January, the rules around fire regulations also changed, as a response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017.
Both sets of legislation are vital when it comes to health and safety and as always, Acorn Safety Services is here to offer support and advice.
What do the latest fire regulations mean?
The Fire Safety Act 2021 came into force on 16 May, 2022, amending the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In a multi-occupied residential building, containing two or more sets of domestic premises the order applies to:
- The building’s structure and external walls (including windows, balconies, cladding, insulation and fixings) and any common parts; and
- All doors between domestic premises and common parts, such as flat entrance doors (or any other relevant door).
Since then, the UK Government has introduced the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which came into force in January.
The fire regulations introduce new requirements for multi-occupied residential buildings, and different regulations apply depending on a building’s height.
The new fire regulations cover the importance of publishing fire safety information, carrying out regular fire risk assessments, providing building plans and ensuring that all fire safety equipment is monitored regularly.
How we can help
As one of the UK’s leading health and safety consultancies we understand the changes in the law and are ready to assist you wherever we can.
Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement in the UK for all non-domestic properties and rented properties with communal areas. The person responsible for ensuring risk assessments are carried out is the dutyholder – which in most cases is the landlord or facilities manager.
A fire risk assessment will:
- Identify fire hazards
- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the risks
- Allow you to record your findings, prepare an emergency plan and provide training.
Our trained fire consultants can arrange appointments quickly to ensure you get the help and support you need quickly.
With trained health and safety consultants supporting clients across the UK we are perfectly placed to support you and help you all of your health and safety needs.
We’re one of the last remaining independent health and safety consultancies in the UK so you can always be assured that any advice you are given is accurate and with the individual needs of your business at heart. We offer a complete range of services, including asbestos management and legionella risk management.
If you are a landlord, or health and safety worried about any aspect of the new regulations don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
If time is tight, we’re also available online – you can book your free 30-minute, online health and safety consultation with a member of our team here.
For all your health and safety needs visit https://acornhealthandsafety.co.uk/ today or contact us at info@acornhealthandsafety.co.uk or on 01604 930380.
