What are the main duties introduced by Section 156?

Section 156 introduces mandatory recording of fire risk assessments, documented fire safety arrangements, identification of assessors, cooperation between duty holders, resident information duties, and increased penalties for non-compliance.

What happens if Section 156 is not complied with?

Non-compliance with Section 156 may result in enforcement action, prosecution, increased fines, and potential liability following a fire incident.

Building Safety Act 2022, Section 156: Fire Safety Requirements and How to Stay Compliant

Q: Does Section 156 apply to all buildings?

Section 156 applies to non-domestic premises and the common parts of residential buildings. It is not limited to high-rise buildings, although higher-risk buildings have additional requirements.

Q: What is a Higher-Risk Building under the Building Safety Act?

A Higher-Risk Building is typically a residential building at least 18 metres high or seven storeys, containing two or more residential units, and subject to enhanced safety regulation.

Q: Are fire risk assessments now required to be written?

Yes. Section 156 requires all fire risk assessments to be recorded in full, regardless of building size or use.

Fire Safety

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents a significant overhaul in building safety regulations across England, aiming to enhance the safety and standards of buildings. A pivotal component of this legislation is Section 156, which amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to strengthen fire safety measures. Understanding and complying with these changes is crucial for building owners, managers, and Responsible Persons.

At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we specialise in providing comprehensive fire safety services to help you navigate these regulatory requirements effectively.

Contents

1 Understanding the Building Safety Act 2022
2 What Section 156 of the Building Safety Act Actually Changed
3 Section 156 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
4 Relationship With the Fire Safety Act 2021
5 Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 – How They Fit In
6 What Responsible Persons Must Do to Comply
7 Higher-Risk Buildings and Relevant Buildings
- 7.1 Higher-Risk Buildings
- 7.2 Relevant Buildings
8 How Fire Risk Assessment Network Can Support Compliance
9 Conclusion
10 Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced following systemic failures identified after the Grenfell Tower fire. It establishes a new regulatory framework aimed at improving building safety, particularly in higher-risk residential buildings.

Key features of the Act include:

Clearer accountability for building safety duties
Stronger competence expectations for those managing safety
Greater transparency and resident engagement
Enhanced enforcement powers and penalties

While much of the Act focuses on design, construction, and higher-risk buildings, Section 156 specifically amends fire safety law as it applies to occupied premises.

What Section 156 of the Building Safety Act Actually Changed

Section 156 amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to strengthen how fire safety duties are recorded, coordinated, and evidenced.

Section 156 removes previous thresholds and makes written fire risk assessments, documented fire safety arrangements, and accountable cooperation mandatory for all premises to which the Fire Safety Order applies.

The most significant changes introduced by Section 156 are:

All fire risk assessments must now be recorded in full, regardless of building size or use
Fire safety arrangements must be clearly documented, including how risks are managed
The identity of fire risk assessors must be recorded
Responsible Persons must cooperate and coordinate where duties overlap
Fire safety information must be shared with residents in buildings containing two or more domestic premises
Penalties for non-compliance have been strengthened

Section 156 shifts fire safety enforcement away from informal compliance and towards demonstrable, auditable evidence, requiring Responsible Persons to retain written fire risk assessments and documented fire safety arrangements.

Section 156 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Section 156 does not create a new fire safety regime. Instead, it strengthens the existing Fire Safety Order.

Under the amended Order, Responsible Persons must now be able to demonstrate:

That a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment exists
That the assessment is fully documented
That fire safety arrangements are actively managed
That cooperation exists where multiple Responsible Persons operate

Failure to maintain proper records is now a clear compliance failure in its own right.

Relationship With the Fire Safety Act 2021

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified how the Fire Safety Order applies to multi-occupied residential buildings, confirming that fire risk assessments must consider:

The structure of the building
External walls, including cladding, insulation, balconies, and fixings
Flat entrance doors opening onto common parts

Section 156 builds on this clarification by ensuring that these considerations are properly recorded and managed, not merely acknowledged.

Together, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Section 156 reinforce that external wall fire risk must be assessed, documented, and acted upon where relevant.

Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 – How They Fit In

Many operational fire safety duties are commonly associated with Section 156 but are actually introduced through the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

These regulations apply alongside Section 156 and introduce specific requirements for certain residential buildings, including:

Regular checks on fire doors
Provision of fire safety information to residents
Installation and maintenance of wayfinding signage
Secure storage of building information for fire and rescue services

While Section 156 focuses on documentation and accountability, the 2022 Regulations focus on ongoing operational fire safety duties.

Responsible Persons must comply with both.

What Responsible Persons Must Do to Comply

To comply with Section 156 and related legislation, Responsible Persons should ensure that they:

Maintain a fully documented fire risk assessment
Record how fire safety is managed in practice
Identify and record who carried out the fire risk assessment
Share appropriate fire safety information with residents
Cooperate with other Responsible Persons where duties overlap
Keep records up to date and accessible

Fire safety management must now be traceable, transparent, and defensible.

Higher-Risk Buildings and Relevant Buildings

The Building Safety Act introduces specific definitions that determine how enhanced safety duties apply.

Higher-Risk Buildings

Under official guidance on Higher-Risk Buildings, these buildings are defined as:

Is at least 18 metres in height or seven storeys
Contains at least two residential units

These buildings are subject to enhanced safety oversight during occupation.

Relevant Buildings

A Relevant Building is one that:

Is at least 11 metres in height or five storeys
Contains at least two dwellings

Different legal protections and obligations apply depending on classification.

Understanding where a building sits within these definitions is essential for determining compliance responsibilities.

How Fire Risk Assessment Network Can Support Compliance

At Fire Risk Assessment Network, we support Responsible Persons, building owners, and managing agents by providing:

Fire risk assessments aligned with current legislation
Reviews of existing fire safety documentation
Fire door inspection services
Support with resident fire safety information
Assistance with maintaining compliant fire safety records
Advice on external wall and building structure fire risk

Our focus is on clear, proportionate, and legally defensible fire safety management.

Conclusion

Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 represents a significant shift in how fire safety compliance is evidenced and enforced. Fire risk assessments and fire safety arrangements must now be fully documented, coordinated, and maintained, not simply carried out.

When combined with the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, Section 156 reinforces the expectation that Responsible Persons actively manage fire safety throughout a building’s life.

Understanding these changes — and implementing them correctly — is essential for legal compliance, enforcement readiness, and life safety.

If you need support understanding or implementing these requirements, Fire Risk Assessment Network can provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your building and responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022?

Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It strengthens fire safety requirements by mandating that fire risk assessments and fire safety arrangements are formally recorded, and by improving accountability, cooperation, and resident information duties.

Who Does Section 156 Apply To?

Section 156 applies to all Responsible Persons under the Fire Safety Order, including employers, building owners, landlords, managing agents, and those with control over premises. It is particularly relevant to buildings containing two or more domestic premises.

Does Section 156 Apply to All Buildings?

Section 156 applies across non-domestic premises and the common parts of residential buildings. It is not limited to high-rise buildings, although higher-risk buildings are subject to additional duties under related regulations.

What Are the Main Fire Safety Duties Introduced by Section 156?

Key duties introduced by Section 156 include:

Mandatory recording of fire risk assessments
Documented fire safety arrangements
Identification of fire risk assessors
Enhanced cooperation between Responsible Persons
Provision of fire safety information to residents
Increased penalties for non-compliance

How Does Section 156 Relate to the Fire Safety Act 2021?

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that fire risk assessments must include the building structure and external walls. Section 156 builds on this by strengthening record-keeping, accountability, and resident communication requirements under the Fire Safety Order.

What Is the Difference Between Section 156 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022?

Section 156 strengthens general fire safety duties and documentation requirements. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduce additional, specific operational duties for certain residential buildings, such as fire door checks, wayfinding signage, and Premises Information Boxes.

What Is a Higher-Risk Building Under the Building Safety Act?

A Higher-Risk Building is generally defined as a residential building that is at least 18 metres high or has seven or more storeys and contains two or more residential units. These buildings are subject to enhanced regulatory oversight.

What Records Must Be Kept to Comply with Section 156?

Responsible Persons must retain documented fire risk assessments, records of fire safety arrangements, details of appointed assessors, inspection records, and evidence of resident communication where applicable.

Are Fire Risk Assessments Now Mandatory in Writing?

Yes. Section 156 removes previous thresholds and requires all fire risk assessments to be recorded in full, regardless of the size or type of premises.

What Happens If You Do Not Comply with Section 156?

Failure to comply with Section 156 may result in enforcement action, prosecution, or increased fines. Non-compliance may also affect insurance, liability, and legal defence following a fire incident.

How Can Organisations Demonstrate Compliance with Section 156?

Compliance is demonstrated through properly documented fire risk assessments, clear fire safety management records, evidence of cooperation between duty holders, resident communication, and engagement of competent fire safety professionals where required.