Fire Safety Regulations

Ensuring Compliance with UK Fire Safety Standards

Fire safety regulations in the UK are designed to protect lives and property by enforcing strict requirements for fire prevention, containment, and evacuation.

Compliance with these regulations is a legal responsibility for building owners, landlords, and facility managers.

Understanding and adhering to the latest fire door and cavity barrier regulations is essential to maintaining a safe and legally compliant environment.

At Overbrook, we help businesses and property owners navigate complex fire safety laws, ensuring that all fire protection measures, including fire doors and cavity barriers, meet the highest standards.

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Call our Fire Safety support team on 01255 886982

Key UK Fire Safety Regulations

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) applies to all non-domestic premises, including workplaces, rental properties, and public buildings. Under this law, the Responsible Person (e.g., employer, landlord, or building owner) must:

  • Conduct regular fire risk assessments to identify hazards.
  • Implement fire safety measures, including properly installed and maintained fire doors and cavity barriers.
  • Ensure escape routes and fire doors are accessible and fully functional.
  • Maintain fire protection systems, including alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting.

Failure to comply with the FSO can lead to fines, legal action, or prosecution in cases where fire safety breaches endanger lives.

Let’s Talk Regulations

"Overbrook provided an exceptional fire door installation service for our commercial building. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and ensured full compliance with fire safety regulations. Highly recommended!"

Mark R. – Facilities Manager

"The team at Overbrook conducted a thorough fire risk assessment for our premises and helped us implement essential fire stopping solutions. Their expertise gave us complete peace of mind knowing our building is fully protected."

Sarah T. – Property Manager

"We needed high-quality fire-resistant glazing for our offices, and Overbrook delivered beyond expectations. Their attention to detail and adherence to fire safety standards were outstanding!"

James L. – Business Owner

"Overbrook’s fire door inspection and maintenance service has been invaluable to our organisation. Their proactive approach ensures all our fire doors remain compliant and fully operational at all times."

Emma W. – Compliance Officer

Building Regulations Approved Document B

Approved Document B of the UK Building Regulations provides detailed fire safety requirements for new buildings and refurbishments. This regulation sets out:

  • The fire resistance ratings for fire doors (FD30, FD60, FD90, FD120), ensuring they provide sufficient protection against fire and smoke.
  • The placement of fire doors and cavity barriers in escape routes, corridors, and high-risk areas.
  • The requirement for self-closing mechanisms on designated fire doors.

There are key changes to this regulation coming into effect in 2025, find out more information here.

Let’s Talk Regulations

Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

Introduced following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, these regulations mandate stricter fire safety measures in multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres in height. Key requirements include:

  • Quarterly inspections of communal fire doors.
  • Annual checks of flat entrance doors leading into communal areas.
  • Clear fire safety instructions provided to residents.

Landlords and building owners must comply with these inspections to maintain legal fire safety standards.

There are key changes to this regulation coming into effect in 2025, find out more information here.

British Standards for Fire Protection

To ensure compliance, all fire doors and cavity barriers must adhere to British Standards (BS), including:

  • BS 476-22:1987 – Fire resistance testing for doors and partitions.
  • BS EN 1634-1:2014 – Fire resistance tests for door assemblies and shutters.
  • BS 8214:2016 – Installation and maintenance of timber fire doors.
  • BS 9999:2017 – Fire safety codes for building design, management, and risk assessment.

Further information can be found here on the government website.

Responsibilities of Building Owners & Managers

To comply with UK fire safety regulations, building owners and facility managers must:

Fire risk assessments must be reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur in the building.

These assessments should identify potential fire hazards, ensure fire doors and cavity barriers are properly installed, and confirm escape routes remain unobstructed.

Fire doors and cavity barriers require routine inspections and servicing to ensure:

  • Seals, hinges, and self-closing devices function correctly.
  • No gaps, damage, or obstructions compromise fire resistance.
  • Compliance with BS 9999 and Approved Document B.

The Responsible Person must ensure that staff and residents understand fire safety procedures, including how to operate fire doors correctly and when to report defects.

All fire safety measures, maintenance logs, and inspection reports should be documented and accessible for regulatory compliance audits.

Let’s help you find the right solution

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Call our Fire Safety support team on 01255 886982

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Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for fire safety compliance?

The Responsible Person, such as a landlord, business owner, or facility manager, is legally required to ensure that fire safety measures meet regulatory standards.

Fire doors should be inspected every six months, in accordance with BS 9999 and fire safety regulations.

Fire Risk Assessments should be conducted annually or when significant changes occur in the building, as required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

More information about the 2025 updates can be found here. 

Failure to comply with UK fire safety laws can result in fines, legal prosecution, and increased liability in the event of a fire.

Overbrook provides expert fire door installation, maintenance, and regulatory guidance, ensuring full compliance with UK fire safety laws.

Contact us today, we are happy to answer any further questions you may have.

Certified solutions

Installation

Properly installed fire-stopping solutions help contain fire within compartments, reducing damage and providing occupants with more time to evacuate safely.

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Cavity Barriers

Without properly installed cavity barriers, fire can travel undetected, significantly increasing the risk to occupants and property.

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Regulations

Fire safety regulations in the UK are designed to protect lives and property by enforcing strict requirements for fire prevention, containment, and evacuation.

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Fire Door Maintenance

We offer comprehensive fire door maintenance services to ensure your fire doors remain fully functional, compliant, and effective in the event of a fire.

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Fire Door Regulations

Find out important information about fire regulations, including key UK laws, compliance requirements, and responsibilities for building owners and landlords.

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