The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced new, legally enforceable duties for high-rise (risk) residential buildings (HRBs), with a particular focus on improving building information, inspection regimes and fault management. For smoke ventilation systems, these regulations significantly raise the bar on maintenance and responsibility.
An HRB is defined as a residential building over 18 metres in height or more than seven storeys. The regulation clarifies who the Responsible Person (RP) is for these buildings and place specific duties on them in relation to fire safety systems, including smoke ventilation. In practice, this means the RP must not only ensure systems are provided, but that they are routinely checked, properly maintained, and any faults are formally managed.
Record Keeping and Evidence of Compliance
One of the key changes is the legal requirement to keep and maintain fire safety records. For smoke ventilation, this includes evidence of inspections, testing, fault reports and remedial actions. These records must be available for inspection and demonstrate that the RP is actively managing the system rather than relying on reactive maintenance. They also provide critical evidence for Fire Risk Assessors when reviewing system performance, impairments and residual risk.
Routine Inspection and Monthly Testing
For HRBs, the regulations set a minimum standard for routine inspection, requiring “essential firefighting equipment” to be checked at least monthly, with smoke ventilation systems now clearly identified as part of this duty. This is not simply a visual check, it should confirm that the system is operational and capable of performing its life safety function. Any defects identified must be recorded and acted upon.
Fault Management and Fire and Rescue Service Notification
Where a fault cannot be rectified within 24 hours, the RP is legally required to notify the local Fire and Rescue Service electronically. For smoke ventilation, this could include but not limited to, fan failure, damper faults, or control panel failure. This requirement reinforces that smoke ventilation is a critical life safety system, a link in the chain of life safety system, and not just a convenience feature, and that any defects must be treated seriously.
The RP must consider whether faults require an update to the Fire Risk Assessment and action accordingly. If smoke ventilation is unavailable or compromised, this may increase risk to occupants and firefighters, and temporary control measures may be needed until full functionality is restored.
Impact on Fire Risk Assessment
The RP must also consider whether identified faults require an update to the Fire Risk Assessment. If smoke ventilation is unavailable or compromised, this may increase risk to occupants and firefighters, and temporary mitigation measures may be required until full system functionality is restored.
Secure Information Boxes and Firefighter Information
The regulation also requires secure information boxes to be installed and maintained in HRBs. These boxes must contain essential building information to support firefighting operations, including contact details, floor plans and details of key equipment. Smoke ventilation system information should form part of this package, enabling firefighters to quickly understand how the system operates and how it supports smoke ventilation during an incident. Guidance on the content of these boxes is available from the joint National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and Fire Industry Association (FIA).
Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings
Fact Sheet: Secure information box (regulation 4)
Summary: What This Means for Responsible Persons
In summary, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 place clear and enforceable duties on Responsible Persons for HRBs in relation to smoke ventilation. Monthly checks, formal fault reporting, structured record keeping and improved building information are no longer best practice – they are legal requirements. For those responsible for HRB maintenance, this means smoke ventilation must be treated as a vital life safety system, with robust inspection, documentation and escalation procedures in place at all times.
How Teal Products Can Support Compliance
Through our extensive range of industry-leading mechanical and natural smoke control solutions, combined with technical expertise and ongoing support, we help Responsible Persons, managing agents and designers meet their obligations under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
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