The Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
The fire safety landscape in England has changed significantly following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 then introduced specific duties for responsible persons in these buildings.
What Has Changed for Manchester Businesses?
While the headline changes focused on residential buildings, the increased scrutiny has had a ripple effect across all commercial premises in Manchester:
- Greater enforcement — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has increased inspection activity
- Higher penalties — fines for fire safety offences have increased substantially
- Personal liability — responsible persons can face criminal prosecution for serious failings
- Record keeping — fire risk assessments and fire safety arrangements must be documented and available for inspection
Key Compliance Steps for Manchester Businesses
- Ensure your fire risk assessment is current (reviewed within the last 12 months)
- Train sufficient fire wardens for your premises
- Test fire alarms weekly and maintain records
- Service fire extinguishers annually
- Conduct regular fire drills (at least twice a year)
- Keep clear records of all fire safety measures
Need Help Getting Compliant?
If you are unsure whether your Manchester business meets current fire safety regulations, contact us for a free initial discussion. We can carry out a fire risk assessment, deliver staff training, and help you put the right fire safety management systems in place.