The following has been submitted by Goodskills training, who offer a service to self-catering properties.

They have offered a reduced rate for assessment to Wight BID levy payers and voluntary contributors – see below for your special offer!

New changes to fire regulations (Fire (safety) England, regulations 2022 (regulations introduced 01 October 2023)

The following is what is required under the new legislation and will be applicable to all holiday lets.

1. It is a legal requirement to have a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) carried out and recorded for your property. A copy of the Fire Risk Assessment should also be displayed on your property, ideally in your holiday let Information Folder.

2. Emergency escape lighting is required in bedrooms and along the escape route – this can be provided by plug in torches, although larger properties may need full escape lighting. Borrowed light from e.g. streetlights can be considered.

3. Protected escape routes must have doors with a 30-minute fire protection capability, or an adaptation that offers this level of protection. (please note that not every property requires a ‘protected escape route’)

4. Linked hard-wired smoke detectors are now required in all bedrooms and living rooms as well as protected escape routes i.e. hallways, corridors, staircases, sitting-rooms, and dining-rooms leading to the main fire exit.

5. All hot water and heating systems must be inspected annually, including systems powered by renewable energy e.g. air/ground source heat pumps.

6. Thumb turn locks are now strongly recommended on all exit doors – There would be very few instances where it would be deemed unnecessary to fit these, and they can usually be retro-fitted to most doors.

7. The EICR (fixed wiring check) is required every 5 years, and this now also applies to many small Unique hideaways/glamping properties.

8. Chimney flues should be swept annually.

9. Checks on all fire safety equipment and exit routes must be carried out at each change of occupancy/weekly and the results recorded.

10. Candles should be prohibited, and a clear policy is required for your guests.

We strongly advise your Fire Risk Assessment to be carried out by a professional, rather than conducting a Fire Risk Assessment yourself as the new changes from the 1st of October are more complex and difficult to follow. By relying on a professional you can guarantee they will understand the changes and follow the government guidelines, and not put you or any guest at risk.

Here at Good Skills Training Isle of Wight we can offer your fully compliant risk assessment to be completed by our trained fire risk assessor costs from £255+VAT if you mention Visit Isle of Wight.

For more information or to book your fire risk assessment please contact 01983 640142 or email sarah@goodskillstraining.co.uk