Richard Fogelman, Chief Executive of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), sheds light on the dynamic landscape of fire safety requirements that impacts individuals and presents opportunities for electricians to provide third party approved services.
Since the tragic Grenfell Tower incident in June 2017, fire safety has rightfully taken centre stage. Subsequent official enquiries into the disaster have led to legislative changes and stricter building regulations. Those living in flats and working in offices, shops and a range of other buildings are being increasingly protected by requirements including mandatory fire risk assessments.
Those designated as responsible at each location must ensure the thorough execution of these assessments and the implementation of recommended physical and electronic (passive and active) fire safety measures and procedures. These include the fitting and periodic maintenance-related inspection of appropriately rated fire-resistant doors, fire detection, extinguishing, alarm systems, and emergency evacuation procedures – contingent upon the type of building involved.
Opportunities for electricians
Amid this changing landscape, electricians and installers play a pivotal role in ensuring the fire safety of buildings. Building owners, managers and company directors – while legally responsible for these measures – aren’t usually suitably qualified in this specialist area.
This is where third party approved services can play an important role, providing independent verification that all necessary site-specific procedures and measures align with fire safety standards and regulations. Certified service providers, such as those approved by NSI, have visibly demonstrated compliance with legal fire safety criteria and can ensure relevant insurance requirements are met.
Duty Holders/Responsible Persons
Multi-occupancy residential buildings in England (i.e. containing two or more flats), as well as commercial premises throughout the UK, must comply with increasingly stringent fire safety measures. The ‘Life safety fire risk assessment’ (LSFRA) is legislatively required for almost all these premises and underpins fire safety arrangements.
Fire risk assessments help identify potential fire hazards, assess the level of risk and implement appropriate fire safety measures. The regulatory framework identifies ‘Duty Holders’ who bear the legal responsibility for fire safety (referred to as the ‘Responsible Person’ in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, introduced in England and Wales in October 2006 – other similar legislation covers Scotland and Northern Ireland). These individuals are often employers, owners or managers of premises.
While fire safety legislation doesn’t explicitly define the competence of fire risk assessors, government guidance states that where identified Duty Holders are unwilling or unable to complete an LSFRA, advice should be sought from a demonstrably competent person. The guidance recommends that assessments be conducted by individuals with comprehensive training and experience in the specific type of fire risk assessment required.
Role of third party certification
Third party certification bodies like NSI inspect organisations against the BAFE Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Scheme SP205, which exists to ‘deliver quality, independent evidence that providers are competent to deliver quality fire risk assessment services’. Such certifications provide Duty Holders with reassurance and an objective assessment of capabilities and adherence to established standards.
As the independent registration body for third party certificated fire safety organisations across the UK, BAFE develops specialist schemes for the fire sector in conjunction with stakeholders including NSI, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC), insurance companies and the fire safety industry, in the public interest.
Latest regulatory requirements
Recent amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 introduced through the Building Safety Act 2022, require Responsible Persons to record their fire risk assessment in full, not just the significant findings. These changes, effective in England from 1st October, are part of a broader set of stringent regulatory requirements enforced by local Fire & Rescue Authorities, with penalties for non-compliance including fines or even imprisonment.
Those responsible for the fire safety of approximately 12,500 high-rise residential buildings in England are now subject to fresh legal requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022. The Building Safety Act defines “higher-risk” buildings as those 18 metres tall or higher, or at least seven storeys with two or more residential units. Building owners, freeholders or management company directors referred to as “Accountable Persons” must comply with the Act from October or face investigation and potential prosecution.
While these requirements apply in England, separate amendments to the Building Regulations (Approved Document B) came into effect on 1st December 2022. These amendments require the installation of evacuation alert systems in all new high-rise residential buildings.
The installation of evacuation alert systems in new residential buildings of 18 metres and above required the introduction of standard BS 8629: 2019 to ensure the effectiveness of these systems when installed. Amendments to this standard were considered just two years later and introduced in March, reflecting the evolving nature of this fire safety measure.
Existing buildings of this height that undergo substantial alterations in the future also fall under these requirements. However, similar mandates don’t currently cover Wales or Northern Ireland.
Conclusion
With fire safety-related changes evolving and affecting those responsible for safeguarding their premises, customers and building visitors, professional electricians and installers have a crucial role to play. Through third party approved services, they can assist in the implementation of measures that mitigate the consequences of fire and safeguard lives, property and business reputations.
Get more details about the NSI and its work here
