A detailed analysis of the Fire Safety Act 2021, its interaction with the RRO 2005, and what responsible persons must do to comply with the extended scope.. Background to the Fire Safety Act 2021 The Fire Safety Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021 and came into force on 16 May 2022. It amends Article 6 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) to clarify that the RRO applies to the structure, external walls, and flat entrance doors of multi occupied residential buildings. Why Was This Act Necessary? Following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 Report identified ambiguity in the scope of the RRO as applied to residential buildings. There was confusion about whether the 'common parts' covered by the RRO included: The building structure External wall systems (including cladding, insulation, and attachments) Individual flat entrance doors opening onto common parts The Fire Safety Act 2021 resolves this ambiguity definitively. Key Provisions Extended Scope (Section 1) The Act clarifies that for a building containing two or more domestic premises, the RRO applies to: 1. The building's structure — including structural frame, load bearing walls, and floors 2. External walls — including cladding, balconies, solar panels, and any attachments 3. Any common parts — as previously understood 4. Flat entrance doors — doors between domestic premises and common parts Impact on Fire Risk Assessments Fire risk assessments must now explicitly consider: External wall construction and materials Compartmentation at facade interfaces Cavity barriers in external wall systems Flat entrance door condition, self closers, and fire resistance Structural fire precautions visible during inspection Practical Implications for Responsible Persons Immediate Actions Required 1. Review existing fire risk assessments — ensure external walls and flat doors are covered 2. Commission external wall assessments — EWS1 forms or PAS 9980 appraisals where relevant 3. Inspect flat entrance doors — verify fire resistance, self closing devices, and intumescent strips 4. Update fire safety management plans — include external wall maintenance and inspection regimes 5. Record keeping — maintain evidence of compliance activities Interaction with Building Safety Act 2022 The Fire Safety Act 2021 works alongside the Building Safety Act 2022. While the FSA 2021 addresses ongoing fire safety management, the BSA 2022 addresses design, construction, and major refurbishment of higher risk buildings. Together, they create a comprehensive regulatory framework for residential building fire safety. Enforcement Powers The Fire Safety Act 2021 also enhanced enforcement powers: Fire and rescue authorities can take enforcement action regarding external walls and flat doors Prohibition notices can be issued for dangerous external wall conditions Responsible persons face prosecution for non compliance The Secretary of State has powers to issue guidance and make regulations PAS 9980: Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls Published in January 2022, PAS 9980 provides a methodology for assessing fire risk in external wall systems. Key aspects: Qualitative risk assessment framework Consideration of multiple fire scenarios (internal fire breakout, external fire, balcony fire) Assessment of fire spread potential based on materials, construction details, and building geometry Risk ratings and recommended actions Our Fire Safety Act 2021 Compliance Services Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD provides comprehensive support for Fire Safety Act 2021 compliance, including external wall fire risk appraisals to PAS 9980, flat entrance door surveys, and updated fire risk assessments. Our team includes fire engineers and fire risk assessors qualified to assess the full scope of the amended RRO. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.