Changes to Fire Legislation – What London Businesses Need to Know

Stay Compliant with a Professional Fire Risk Assessment in London

If you own or manage a building in London, it’s crucial to stay up to date with recent changes to fire safety legislation. The introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021 and further regulations under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 have placed even greater duties on the Responsible Person. These updates mean businesses must act now to ensure they remain fully compliant — and a comprehensive fire risk assessment is more important than ever.

At Armadillo Safety Solutions, we offer professional fire risk assessments across London to help you meet your legal obligations and protect your people, your property, and your reputation.

Key Changes Under the Fire Safety Act

The Fire Safety Act 2021, which came into force following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, has clarified and expanded the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.The main changes you must be aware of include:

• External Walls: Fire risk assessments must now explicitly cover the external walls of a building, including cladding, balconies, and windows.

• Flat Entrance Doors: Entrance doors to individual flats in multi-occupied residential buildings must also be considered as part of the fire risk assessment.

• Shared Spaces: Communal areas such as stairways, corridors, and lobbies must be included in the assessment.

These updates ensure that fire risks associated with building structure and shared access routes are properly assessed and managed.

New Responsibilities for the Responsible Person

The Responsible Person (often the building owner, employer, or managing agent) now has broader duties, including:

• Ensuring Fire Risk Assessments Are Suitable and Sufficient: Assessments must address the building’s structure, external walls, and individual flat entrance doors where applicable.

• Keeping Records: There is now a greater emphasis on documentation, even for smaller premises.

• Providing Information to Residents: In residential buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises, residents must be given specific fire safety instructions and information about fire doors.

• Liaising with Other Responsible Persons: Where multiple parties share responsibility (e.g., building owners and managing agents), there must be clear cooperation and coordination.

• Routine Inspections: The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 also introduced requirements for regular checks on fire doors and other key fire safety measures in high-rise residential buildings.

Why You Need a Fire Risk Assessment in London Now

With enforcement actions on the rise and the potential for significant penalties for non-compliance, it is vital to ensure your building is fully assessed under the new rules.

A professional fire risk assessment in London carried out by qualified consultants, like those at Armadillo Safety Solutions, will:

• Identify fire hazards and evaluate the risk

• Provide practical, cost-effective recommendations for compliance

• Help you fulfil your legal duties as the Responsible Person

• Protect your staff, visitors, and residents

• Give you peace of mind that you’re meeting the new legislative requirements

How Armadillo Safety Solutions Can Help

At Armadillo Safety Solutions, we have extensive experience delivering fire risk assessments in London and across the UK. Our knowledgeable consultants understand the nuances of the Fire Safety Act, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and all relevant British Standards.

When you choose us, you get:

• Detailed, compliant fire risk assessments

• Practical advice to address any issues quickly and effectively

• Support with action plans and documentation

• Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

• Reliable, friendly service tailored to your needs

Book Your Fire Risk Assessment in London Today

Don't leave fire safety to chance. Ensure you are fully compliant with the latest fire safety legislation by booking a fire risk assessment in London with Armadillo Safety Solutions.

Contact us today to schedule your fire risk assessment and safeguard your premises.