The Home Office has published new Guidance for anyone with responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
The information published highlights “This guidance is for people who have responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (“the Regulations”). You will have such responsibilities if, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (“the Fire Safety Order”), you are a “Responsible Person” (or a person who has some responsibilities) on whom the Fire Safety Order imposes various duties about fire safety in a residential building, such as a block of flats or student accommodation.”
Fire Safety (England) Regulations
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations are a direct result of the Grenfell Tower fire and its subsequent Inquiry. They “extend duties imposed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.”
BAFE advises all persons responsible for high-rise residential buildings and their life safety requirements to review this guidance.
third-party certificated
BAFE strongly recommends that chosen contractors are suitably third-party certificated to evidence their ability
The guidance stresses that “It is essential that all of these systems which are present operate correctly in the event of fire. Accordingly, the Regulations make requirements regarding routine checking of all such systems and equipment. These checks are in addition to the servicing and maintenance of the systems (usually by a contractor) required by the Fire Safety Order.”
BAFE strongly recommends that chosen contractors are suitably third-party certificated to evidence their ability to perform the required work to help meet your fire safety obligations.
Don't Just Specify, Verify Third-Party Certification
Specifying a competent, third-party certificated fire safety organization is a responsible action to help meet fire safety obligations. Before awarding any contract, however, it is just as important to verify their third-party certification is appropriate and valid for the work the user requires.
This verification is extremely important, as BAFE registration or any third-party certification does not determine evidence of competency for all fire safety services. End users (e.g. premises management/Responsible People/Duty Holders) must be vigilant to ensure they exercise due diligence and perform this verification task before awarding contracts.
