Fire safety rules in the UK have changed a lot in recent years. Since the Grenfell Tower tragedy, fire safety has become a much bigger focus for building owners, businesses, and anyone responsible for managing premises.
For many organisations, it can feel difficult to keep up with what’s required. But the key message is simple: fire safety is now more closely monitored, more strictly enforced, and more important than ever.
Fire Safety After Grenfell: What Has Changed?
The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 was a turning point for fire safety in the UK. Since then, the government has introduced new laws and stronger guidance to make sure buildings are safer, and responsibilities are clearer.
Fire safety is no longer just about having paperwork in place. It is about taking real, practical action to reduce risk and protect lives.
Businesses and building managers are now expected to be far more proactive.
The Main Fire Safety Laws You Need to Know
There are a few key pieces of legislation that form the basis of fire safety compliance today.
The Fire Safety Order: The Starting Point for Every Business
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is still the main fire safety law for workplaces and non-domestic buildings in England and Wales.
It applies to most premises, including offices, shops, warehouses, and communal areas in residential buildings.
It requires a “Responsible Person” to be in charge of fire safety. This could be the employer, landlord, building owner, or facilities manager.
They must make sure that:
- A fire risk assessment is carried out and kept up to date
- Fire alarms and safety systems are properly maintained
- Escape routes are clear and usable
- Staff understand what to do in an emergency
In simple terms, someone must take ownership and ensure fire safety is being managed properly.
New Rules Around Fire Doors, Cladding, and Shared Areas
The Fire Safety Act 2021 was introduced to strengthen the Fire Safety Order, especially for multi-occupied residential buildings.
It made it clear that fire risk assessments must also cover:
- External walls and cladding
- Fire doors, including flat entrance doors
- Shared areas and building structure
This has led to much greater scrutiny of building safety, particularly in higher-risk properties.
The Building Safety Act: Bigger Responsibilities, Stricter Enforcement
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced one of the biggest changes to building regulations in decades.
Its purpose is to ensure that safety is not treated as a one-off task, but something that must be managed continuously.
It has brought:
- Clearer legal duties for building owners and duty holders
- Stronger enforcement powers
- Higher expectations around ongoing safety management
Even where the law applies most directly to residential buildings, it has raised standards across the wider commercial sector too.
Why Waking Watch Services Have Become More Common
One of the biggest developments since Grenfell has been the rise in waking watch services.
Waking watch is usually introduced as a temporary safety measure when a building has higher fire risk or is waiting for permanent improvements such as upgraded fire alarms or remediation work.
A waking watch involves trained officers who:
- Patrol the building regularly
- Look out for fire hazards or signs of smoke
- Raise the alarm quickly if something happens
- Support safe evacuation if required
It provides reassurance that someone is actively monitoring the building, especially overnight or in higher-risk situations.
Industry guidance makes it clear that waking watch is an interim measure, not a long-term replacement for proper fire safety systems.
At 3000 Security, waking watch is a core part of what we do. Our officers take the responsibility seriously, delivering consistent cover, clear reporting and professional support every shift.
Learn more about our waking watch services here
A Simple Fire Safety Checklist for Businesses
Fire safety does not have to be complicated, but it does need regular attention. Every business should be doing the following:
Keep fire risk assessments updated
Review them regularly, especially if the building layout, use or occupancy changes.
Check alarms, lighting, and fire doors
Make sure systems are tested, maintained and working properly.
Train staff and review procedures
Everyone should know evacuation routes and what to do if an incident occurs.
Have a clear out-of-hours response plan
If an alarm activates at night or over a weekend, the response must be immediate and organised.
Record and communicate safety information
Newer regulations place more emphasis on clear documentation and sharing fire safety details where required.
What Fire Safety Looks Like Day to Day
Fire safety is no longer just about having a risk assessment filed away. Businesses and duty holders are now expected to manage safety actively, with regular checks and clear communication.
Some of the practical duties that matter most include:
- Regular fire door checks to make sure doors close properly and are not damaged or wedged open
- Clear wayfinding and evacuation signage throughout the building, especially in shared areas
- Sharing fire safety information with occupants, staff or residents where required, including emergency instructions and key building details
- Keeping escape routes and communal areas clear at all times
- Maintaining alarms, emergency lighting and detection systems through routine testing and servicing
- Updating fire safety plans when the building changes, such as refurbishment, new layouts or changes in occupancy
These everyday measures are a key part of staying compliant and keeping people safe.
How 3000 Security Can Support You
Fire safety responsibilities are now clearer and more strictly enforced, but you do not have to manage everything alone.
3000 Security supports businesses, duty holders and managing agents with practical services that help protect people and support compliance, including:
- Waking watch and fire safety patrols
- Security guarding for higher-risk premises
- Mobile patrols and out-of-hours checks
- Keyholding and emergency alarm response
Our approach is always honest, professional and based on what makes sense for your building and your level of risk.
Final Thoughts: Fire Safety Is an Ongoing Responsibility
Fire safety regulations in the UK have changed significantly since Grenfell. Expectations are higher, enforcement is stricter and responsibility is clearer.
The best approach is simple: stay proactive, review risks regularly, and make sure the right measures are in place.
If you would like advice on waking watch or wider fire safety support, 3000 Security is here to help.
Contact our team today for free guidance and a no-obligation quote.