Poll shows lack of new fire safety legislation understanding

According to new polling by health and safety consultancy firm WorkNest, less than one in ten (2%) could confidently say that they understand the implications of the implementation of The Building Safety Act 2022, which came into full effect in April 2024. 

The changes which have been implemented amend the Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) requirements, create ‘accountable’ and ‘competent’ person roles and enhance the authority of enforcement bodies.

Jeff Watkins, head of fire safety at WorkNest, said: “These amendments follow on from the Grenfell Tower disaster’s Hackett Review, which also resulted in the Building Safety Act 2022. That Act has only been fully implemented for less than a year and those in the residential and construction industries particularly will have already been dedicating time and resources to it. However, there’s even more to be aware of now with regards to fire safety.” 

Key changes that have come into effect as a result of Article 156 of the Building Safety Act and adjustments to FRA requirements are:

• Changes to identifying and informing ‘Responsible Persons’ to improve coordination between parties
• Full FRA documentation, not only significant findings
• Fire safety arrangements and improved access to information for residents 
• Competence of fire Risk Assessors - New British standard currently in draft form on the competence of an individual to complete FRAs is planned for this year.
• Updates of Approved Document B (Fire Safety) including new staircase, sprinkler and lift shaft requirements in all new developments along with the adoption of European standards for fire resistance materials

Jeff Watkins added: “Fire safety is high on the Government agenda as it should be. We’re seeing new regulatory bodies being formed and an ongoing overhaul of legacy laws so it’s important that those in the building construction sector and all health and safety practitioners across the board keep on top of reforms.”