The Welsh government confirmed that the first part of the Fire Safety Act 2021 came into force in Wales on 1 October, extending the scope of fire safety as part of post-Grenfell reforms.
Section 1 of the Fire Safety Act 2021 sets out that the fire risk assessment of buildings covered by the Fire Safety Order must include the buildings’ structure and external walls, as well as all doors between the domestic premises and common parts.
To accompany the change, the Welsh government has published guidance on the Fire Safety Act 2021 and how it applies in Wales. This short, non-technical guide sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Responsible Person and the Duty Holder, as well as providing guidance on fire safety risk assessment.
Hannah Blethwyn, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership said that more guidance would be produced in the coming months.