Fire STRATEGIES
The Fire Safety Act 2021 & Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
WHAT IT MEANS
Although the Fire Safety Order remains the core legislation, recent updates have strengthened it:
- The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that external walls, flat entrance doors, and structural elements must be considered in fire risk assessments. GOV.UK
- The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 added further duties for Responsible Persons, particularly in residential buildings. GOV.UK
These changes reflect ongoing reform and improvement in fire safety standards following major public inquiries and safety reviews.
Enforcement, Appeals & Penalties
Fire safety regulations are enforced by your local Fire and Rescue Authority. They may:
- Review fire risk assessments
- Inspect premises
- Advise on improvements
- Issue formal notices (e.g., enforcement or alterations notices)
If a fire safety deficiency is considered serious, a Prohibition Notice can restrict or stop the use of all or part of the premises.
Failing to comply with fire safety law can lead to:
- Substantial fines
- Prosecution
- Imprisonment for serious breaches
WHO NEEDS TO COMPLY
If your premises fall within the scope of the Fire Safety Order — and most commercial and public premises do — you must comply with fire safety regulations.
This includes:
- Offices and workplaces
- Retail outlets
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Healthcare settings
- Restaurants and leisure venues
- Shared housing and residential buildings with common areas
No matter the size of your organisation, you are responsible for ensuring fire safety measures are in place and maintained.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPETENCE
The law expects fire risk assessments and fire safety planning to be carried out competently. This means either performing these duties yourself only if you have the necessary knowledge, experience and training, or appointing a competent external specialist.
Using a third-party certificated fire risk assessor (e.g., BAFE SP205 Life Safety Fire Risk Assessment Scheme) is widely recognised as evidence of due diligence and competency.
How STK Can Help You Comply
STK Fire & Risk Management provides expert support to help you meet your fire safety regulatory duties, including:
- Professional fire risk assessments
- Guidance on fire safety systems and equipment
- Fire safety training and documentation
- Support preparing for audits and inspections
👉 Contact STK now to ensure your fire safety arrangements match regulatory expectations
Summary: Key Regulatory Duties
As a Responsible Person under UK fire safety law, you must ensure:
A suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out
Fire safety measures appropriate to your premises are implemented
Fire safety training is provided to staff
Records of fire safety arrangements are maintained
Fire hazards are continually reviewed and managed
Regulations exist to protect people — and failure to comply carries serious legal and human consequences.
Why STK Is Different
SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY
We carry a strong sense of responsibility because of what we have seen and experienced.
HIGHLY EXPERIENCED
IT IS OUR MISSION
For us, fire safety is not a service — it is a mission.
Why Choose STK?
By choosing STK, you benefit from:
- Highly experienced, professionally trained assessors
- Independent third-party accreditation
- Clear, defensible fire risk assessments
- Practical guidance, not generic templates
- Ongoing support beyond the written report
Fire safety is a legal duty — but it is also a moral responsibility.
Speak to STK Today
If you are unsure whether your fire risk assessment or evacuation plan is adequate, we can help.
Make the decision that protects lives — not one that leaves things to chance.
