As the Responsible Person, you are now required to comprehensively document and record various aspects of fire safety:
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Recording Findings: All Responsible Persons must document their fire risk assessment findings, irrespective of premises size or purpose, eliminating the previous requirement only for certain buildings.
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Fire Safety Arrangements: Record your fire safety arrangements, encompassing procedures and policies managing fire safety within your building.
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Identity of Assessors: Responsible Persons must now record the identity of individuals undertaking or reviewing the fire risk assessment, ensuring transparency with full names and organizational details.
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Cooperation and Coordination: Maintain a UK-based address for receiving notices, share this information with relevant parties, and identify and acquaint yourself with other Responsible Persons at the same premises.
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Transition of Responsibilities: Departing Responsible Persons must share relevant fire safety information with incoming Responsible Persons to ensure continuity in fire safety practices.
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Higher-Risk Buildings: For higher-risk buildings, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will oversee regulation from October 1, 2023. Responsible Persons must identify and cooperate with the Accountable Person, a new legal entity under the Building Safety Act 2022.
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Information Sharing for Communal Areas: Responsible Persons in multi-occupied residential buildings must now provide residents with a more extensive list of “relevant fire safety matters,” including evacuation instructions, identified risks, and preventive measures.
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Updated Offenses and Fines: The Building Safety Act introduces higher fines for specific offenses, such as intentional impersonation of an inspector and non-compliance with inspector-imposed requirements. After October 1, 2023, unlimited fines may apply.
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Article 50 Guidance: Section 156 of the Building Safety Act reinforces the status of all Article 50 guidance, emphasizing its consideration in determining compliance with the Fire Safety Order.
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Importance of Fire Risk Assessment for Communal Areas: Recognizing the critical significance of fire risk assessments for communal areas is essential, ensuring the safety and well-being of all occupants in shared spaces.
