Between July 2023 and June 2024, the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) recorded 233 fire-related fatalities. Fire incidents can be devastating, potentially destroying lives and properties within minutes.
Many of us are still plagued by the memory of the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy in west London, which claimed 72 lives. The inquiry into the fire revealed that a chain of failures led to this tragic accident.
To prevent such incidents, the government has implemented changes to the Fire Safety Regulations Act to enhance the safety of life and property. If you’re the owner or manager of commercial property in the UK, learning about these fire safety regulations and standards can be incredibly important.
In this guide, we help business and commercial property owners implement effective fire safety rules that comply with the law. We’ll discuss the latest changes to the fire safety regulations act and the best ways to implement these changes on your property.
Key Changes in Fire Safety Regulations in 2025
1. European Fire Testing Standards
As per the new fire safety regulations in the UK, the government is phasing out the BS 476 national fire testing standard in favour of the more advanced European standard BS EN 13501. This transition will start in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by September 2029.
If you’re a commercial property owner, you’ll need to install the best fire-rated doors that comply with the latest standards. Existing fire doors, windows, shutters and hardware need to be changed to comply with the latest Fire Safety Regulations Act.
Are you looking to install new fire doors or upgrade existing ones? Contact us at Doorway Services for fire door maintenance, repair and installation.
2. Sprinklers for Care Homes
As per the new fire safety regulations in the UK, care home owners and managers must install sprinkler systems starting on 2 March 2025. Sprinklers can help stop the spread of fire, making it easier for firefighters to control it. They can also help with evacuation, reducing the risk of casualties. This is especially beneficial in care homes and hospitals, where many people will have mobility issues, cognitive problems, and impairment due to age or illness.
3. Second Staircase for Tall Buildings
Another important update to the Approved Document B, which offers guidance on building regulations related to fire safety in England, states that all buildings over 18 meters tall must have two staircases. This aligns with the previous fire safety regulations and standards and will be effective from 30th September 2026.
These fire safety rules will help with evacuation, prevent bottlenecks if a fire breaks out in a high-rise building, and limit the number of casualties.
4. Competence of Fire Assessors
The new update reinforces the need to improve the competence of fire risk assessors through further education and training. This will help in better risk assessment and recommendations for commercial, residential and public buildings. A qualified assessor is better equipped to identify fire hazards and suggest improvements that comply with the latest fire safety rules.
5. Construction Products CE Marking
The latest fire safety regulations act has issued a directive that all construction products must align with European health, safety and environmental standards. This will ensure all newly constructed buildings are more resistant to fire and improve the safety of residents, staff and property.
If you’re looking to upgrade your doors, shutters or windows to stay compliant with the new CE marking, contact us at Doorway Services. We install, repair and maintain fire doors and commercial doors.
6. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
PEEPs are personalised evacuation strategies for individuals who may find it challenging to evacuate buildings independently. These include schools, hospitals, care homes, and workplaces.
These plans will help implement faster evacuations for people who may have mobility issues and require assistance. They will also help prevent confusion and lead to faster rescue efforts by firefighters.
It’s the responsibility of employers, property owners and building managers to create PEEPs guidelines and share the information with tenants, workers and other personnel.
Implement New Fire Safety Standards in Your Commercial Property With Doorway Services
The new Fire Safety Regulations Act was introduced by the government to minimise the loss of life due to fire and improper evacuation plans. Fire door standards will be upgraded to meet the new regulations. The latest upgrades to fire doors will help control the spread of fire and potentially minimise damage and loss of life and property.
Are you looking to install or upgrade commercial fire doors in the UK that meet the CE marking and BS EN 13501 standards? We can answer all your questions about fire safety doors and assist with installing or maintaining fire doors.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Recent Comments