P28-29 Fire & Safety Geofire:Layout 1 28/01/2021 14:51 Page 28 Fire& Safety
Complying with the Fire Safety Bill 2020
The Fire Safety Bill 2020 proposes fundamental changes to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. So how can a radio controlled fire door system help your flat or residential building comply with the Fire Safety Bill 2020? Geofire, manufacturer of electromagnetic activation devices including fire door holders and closers Agrippa and Salamander, explains.
T
he changes will action the recommendations identified by the Grenfell Tower public inquiry and the
Dame Judith Hackett review which found current building and fire safety regulations needed a “major reform” in order to prioritise and protect resident’s safety. In conjunction with the Building Safety Bill, which overhauls legislation around building construction methods and materials, the Fire Safety Reform represents a landmark change to current fire safety legislation. Lord Greenhalgh, Building Safety and Fire Minister, said: “These are the biggest changes to building safety legislation for nearly 40 years, and they will raise standards across the industry and ensure building owners have nowhere to hide if they break the rules.” The reform is set to provide clearer accountability to those responsible for high rise buildings, increase sanctions to deter non- compliance and amplify the voices of residents raising concerns.
28 | electrical wholesalerFebruary 2021
What does it mean for fire door safety? The bill will impact any managed residential blocks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland where the main use of the building is sleeping, such as; blocks of flats, student accommodation, hotels and hostels. Buildings will be required to identify an
‘accountable person’ in each premises who will be responsible for the implementation of fire safety measures. These measures are likely to include carrying out risk assessments, ensuring fire-fighting and fire-detection equipment is supplied and establishing fire safety drills and emergency routes. In addition to this, the ‘accountable person’ will also be responsible for carrying out and keeping record of regular
inspections of flat entrance fire doors, as well any doors adjacent to common areas or escape routes from multi-occupied residential buildings. Previously the responsibility of non-communal
fire doors was not a legal obligation of building owners or managers, who were able to satisfy legal requirements by asking residents to carry out their own inspection and reporting back any problems. The lack of clarity around responsibility for flat entrance fire doors often resulted in essential maintenance and repairs not being carried out.
Why are fire doors important? Fire doors are an essential measure in preventing the spread of flames, smoke and toxic fumes
Read the Draſt Building Safety Bill:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ draſt-building-safety-bill
ewnews.co.uk
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