Fire Safety Legislation Changes in the UK: What You Need to Know
By Adam Chalky, Applewood Fire & Security
Fire safety has always been a vital consideration for businesses in the UK, but recent changes in legislation have made it more important than ever to ensure your fire protection systems and procedures are fully up to date.
At Applewood Fire & Security, we’ve seen first-hand how businesses across Surrey and the South East are adapting to these new responsibilities. In this blog, I’ll break down what’s changed in UK fire safety law, why it matters, and what steps you can take to stay compliant in 2025 and beyond.
What’s Changed in UK Fire Safety Law?
In response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and recommendations from the Hackitt Review, the UK government introduced several reforms to improve fire safety standards, particularly in non-domestic and multi-occupancy residential buildings.
The most significant recent update is the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which came into force on 23 January 2023. These regulations build upon the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and place additional duties on Responsible Persons (RPs) to further improve building safety.
Key Changes Include:
- New Responsibilities for Responsible Persons (RPs): Businesses and building owners must now take greater responsibility for managing fire risk and implementing safety measures. RPs are required to record and share fire risk assessment findings, especially in multi-occupied residential buildings.
- Increased Focus on Fire Risk Assessments: Fire risk assessments must be more detailed and recorded in writing (regardless of the size of the business or number of employees).
- Fire Door Checks: Regular checks of flat entrance doors (at least every 12 months) and communal fire doors (quarterly).
- Provision of Fire Safety Instructions: Clear fire safety information must be given to residents in multi-occupancy buildings.
Why These Changes Matter to Your Business
Whether you operate an office, retail store, warehouse, or manage residential blocks, non-compliance is not an option. Enforcement of these regulations is increasing, and businesses can face serious consequences if they fail to meet their obligations.
Risks of Non-Compliance:
- 🔴 Legal action and enforcement notices
- 🔴 Fines and prosecution
- 🔴 Increased liability in the event of an incident
- 🔴 Damage to business reputation
But this isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about protecting lives. Fires can devastate businesses, endanger staff and customers, and lead to irreversible financial and emotional loss.
How to Stay Compliant in 2025
Here’s a checklist to help ensure your business remains on the right side of the law:
- Review and Update Your Fire Risk Assessment: Conduct a professional fire risk assessment or review your existing one with updated legislative requirements.
- Check and Maintain Fire Safety Equipment: Regularly test fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and extinguishers.
- Inspect Fire Doors: Set a routine schedule for quarterly and annual inspections and keep written records.
- Keep Records and Documentation: Maintain clear, up-to-date logs of assessments, servicing, and procedures.
- Provide Fire Safety Training: Train all staff in fire awareness and assign fire marshals or wardens.
- Communicate With Occupants: Provide residents (in multi-occupancy buildings) with evacuation instructions and fire safety advice.
How Applewood Fire & Security Can Help
At Applewood, we support businesses of all sizes with comprehensive fire safety solutions designed to keep you compliant, protected, and confident. Our services include:
- 🔥 Fire Risk Assessments – Conducted by qualified professionals
- 🔥 Fire Alarm Systems – Design, installation, and maintenance
- 🔥 Emergency Lighting – Ensures safe evacuation in the event of power loss
- 🔥 Fire Extinguishers – Supply, servicing, and installation
- 🔥 Fire Door Inspections – Regular checks and maintenance
- 🔥 Staff Training & Advice – Tailored fire safety training
We take a proactive approach, making sure your systems are compliant today—and future-proofed for tomorrow.
Book a Fire Safety Consultation Today
If you’re unsure whether your business meets the latest fire safety regulations, don’t leave it to chance. Contact us for a free initial consultation. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know and recommend the best steps to ensure full compliance and protection.
📞 Call us on 020 3696 9489
📧 Email us at security@apple-wood.co.uk
🌐 Visit www.apple-wood.co.uk
Stay safe, stay compliant, and protect what matters.
– Adam Chalky
Applewood Fire & Security