The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into effect on January 23, 2023, following recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. These new fire safety regulations are now essential for anyone managing multi-occupied residential buildings in England. Designed to protect residents and support emergency services, these laws place clear responsibilities on building owners and managers.

At Gerda Security, we have over 25 years of experience providing trusted fire safety solutions, including our Premises Information Box, which helps properties meet the legal requirements of the Fire Safety England Regulations 2022. In this article, we’ll explain the regulations in clear terms, sharing expert advice to help you stay compliant and keep your building safe.

Key Takeaways

• The 2022 Fire Safety Regulations are mandatory for all multi-occupied residential buildings.
• New-builds over 11m and existing buildings over 18m must have a secure information box.
• Regular checks on fire doors and equipment are required.
• Keeping residents informed is a key part of compliance.
• Failure to follow the rules could lead to criminal charges.

Why Were the Fire Safety England Regulations 2022 Introduced?

The tragic fire at Grenfell Tower revealed dangerous gaps in building safety. As a result, the Fire Safety England Regulations 2022 were introduced to make sure building managers take extra steps to protect people. These new laws ensure that critical details about buildings are shared with fire services and that regular safety checks are carried out, reducing the risk of fires and improving emergency responses.

Installing a Premises Information Box (PIB) from Gerda Security and keeping your fire safety checks up to date are key ways to stay on the right side of the law. You can explore the PIB in detail here.

Which Buildings Must Follow the Fire Safety Regulations?

The fire safety regulations apply to a wide range of buildings:

• High-rise residential buildings over 18 metres or with more than 7 storeys.
• Residential buildings over 11 metres.
• All multi-occupied residential buildings, regardless of height.

Each type of building has different responsibilities. For example, high-rise buildings are legally required to install a secure information box (SIB). You can find more details about our solution, the Premises Information Box, on our knowledge page.

What is a SIB, and Why are they Required?

A secure information box is a locked, durable box that stores critical documents for emergency use. This includes up-to-date floor plans, contact details of the responsible person, evacuation strategies, and information about residents who may need extra help, such as those with mobility difficulties.

Our Gerda Security PIB is designed to meet strict standards, including Secured by Design requirements. These boxes are built to last and can be installed either inside or outside the building, depending on what works best for the property.

More guidance is available in our article on the importance of a PIB box.

What Other Checks Do the Fire Safety Regulations Require?

Fire Door Inspections

The fire safety regulations make regular fire door checks mandatory. In buildings over 11 metres, flat entrance doorsets must be checked every year. In communal areas of any multi-occupied building, fire doors should be checked every three months. This helps ensure that doors are working properly and can stop fires from spreading.

Firefighting Equipment Checks

High-rise buildings must also have monthly checks on essential fire fighting equipment, including lifts and alarms. Keeping this equipment in working order is crucial for safety during an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a secure information box?

A SIB or Gerda Security PIB gives firefighters immediate access to critical building details during an emergency.

Where should a SIB or PIB be installed?

It can be mounted inside or outside the building in a location that is easy for emergency services to find.

How often should documents inside the SIB or PIB be updated?

We recommend updating the contents at least once a year or whenever important building information changes.