Local Fire Safety Laws - Changes

Local Acts, which include fire safety provisions, are to be scrapped in new proposed government reforms.The announcement follows the coalition's publication of changes to Building Regulations in England. Currently, fire safety standards for new buildings are set through these regulations but these laws differ depending on the region.There are around 23 local Acts which have one or more provisions relating to fire protection, providing discretionary power to local authorities who wish to implement additional checks in buildings such as warehouses, tall buildings and car parks.According to the coalition, these measures result in unnecessary construction, maintenance and administrative costs for those in the construction industry and do not help improve fire safety.

This has prompted the government to launch a consultation into local Acts as it looks to reduce inconsistencies and unnecessary regulatory burdens relating to fire safety standards. Among the changes to fire safety regulations include changes to the classification of decorative wall linings and thermoplastic lighting diffusers.Introducing the consultation to the House of Commons on 31st January, communities minister Andrew Stunell claimed the proposals will help cut the regulatory cost for businesses. "This will free-up businesses from the costs of fire protection requirements contained in some local Acts which apply inconsistently across the country," he said."The decision has been taken in the light of previous consultation which found no evidence to justify maintaining requirements which go beyond the necessary protection already afforded nationally through the building regulations." The move has attracted criticism from those in the fire industry, including Graham Ellicott, chief executive of the Fire Industry Association. He said: "Is the scrapping of Local Acts in the spirit of Localism? This in my opinion smacks of government only wanting Localism when it suits them!" Responses to the consultation are due in on 27th April and the government aims to roll out these measures in 2013.

As well as fire risk assessments and fire training courses we also provide ad hoc consultancy services which typically include:

• General Fire Safety
• Site Meetings and Advice
• Fire Signage Surveys
• Fire Door Surveys
• Occupancy Level Consultancy
• Fire Strategies

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