Definition
Fire Safety Act 2021
The Fire Safety Act 2021 amended the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to explicitly bring the structure, external walls (including cladding and balconies), and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings within scope of fire safety law. The Act was introduced in direct response to findings from the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry and came into force in England and Wales in August 2021.
Terms mentioned in this definition
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Primary legislation amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022Secondary legislation that follows the Act — adds specific duties for higher-risk residential buildings
- PAS 79-2:2020Fire risk assessments for housing — the assessment framework for the extended duties under the Act
Related Terms
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Fire Regulations & StandardsThe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) is the primary fire safety legislation in England and Wales, applying to all non-domestic premises. It places a legal duty on the responsible person to carry out a fire risk assessment, implement appropriate fire safety measures, and maintain them effectively. Non-compliance can result in unlimited fines or imprisonment of up to two years.View definition
- Responsible Person (Fire Safety)Fire Regulations & StandardsThe responsible person is the individual or organisation with control of a non-domestic premises who, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire, protect occupants, and maintain fire safety measures — including carrying out or commissioning a suitable fire risk assessment.View definition
- Fire Door InspectionFire DoorsA fire door inspection is a formal assessment of a fire door assembly — including the door leaf, frame, seals, hardware, and signage — to verify that it will provide the specified fire resistance (typically 30 or 60 minutes) and close reliably in a fire, in accordance with relevant British Standards and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.View definition
- Fire Risk AssessmentFire Risk AssessmentA fire risk assessment is a systematic examination of a premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and implement or recommend appropriate fire safety measures. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, carried out by a competent person and reviewed regularly — or whenever significant changes occur.View definition
- BS 5839Fire Regulations & StandardsBS 5839 is the British Standard covering the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in the UK. It is published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and is divided into multiple parts, each covering specific building types or system components.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fire Safety Act 2021 amended the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to explicitly bring the structure, external walls (including cladding and balconies), and flat entrance doors of multi-occupied residential buildings within scope of fire safety law. The Act was introduced in direct response to findings from the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry and came into force in England and Wales in August 2021.
Requirements for fire safety act 2021 in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Fire Safety Act 2021 and Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to fire safety act 2021. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.