The Welsh government will introduce new fire safety duties for all non-domestic premises on October 1.
The changes follow from the Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, which amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The responsibilities under Section 156 will mean that many businesses and building owners need to check if and how this affects them to ensure they are complying with the regulations.
The main changes are:
- All businesses will need to record a fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements in full – regardless of the number of employees, and size or type of business.
- There are increased requirements for cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons in multi occupied buildings or those where the occupier and owner are not the same person.
- In residential buildings with two or more domestic premises residents must be provided with information on the risks from fire and the fire safety measures provided to keep them safe.
Guidance on the new fire safety legislation is available here.
Simon Hannah
