Although new fire safety regulations don’t come into effect until 23 January next year, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people responsible for any multi-occupied residential buildings to make themselves aware of the new requirements now.

Following the Grenfell Tower inquiry, the new Fire Safety Act came into force in May. It clarifies that Responsible Persons for multi-occupied residential buildings must manage and reduce the risk of fire for the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows, and also entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts.

Group manager Graham Kewley, head of fire safety delivery, said: “The new Fire Safety Act, and the bringing forward of the new Regulations, are important steps in strengthening existing fire safety legislation, and improving fire safety in multi-occupied residential buildings.

“We are encouraging Responsible Persons – usually the owner, site manager or occupier of the premises, who is responsible for ensuring and maintaining correct fire safety and procedures – to familiarise themselves with the new regulations and to prepare for the significant changes being introduced. If they have not already done so, they should consider when to review their fire risk assessments, to make sure these take account of any risk from the external wall.”

Responsible Persons are also being urged to begin other necessary work now, such as installation of wayfinding signage and procurement of secure information boxes.

Further information can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/multi-occupied-residential-buildings