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INDUSTRY INSIGHTS JANUARY 2026: Are your compliance requirements fully up to date?

  • Writer: SEE Services
    SEE Services
  • 6 hours ago
  • 2 min read
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 As we step into a new year, it’s a great time to ask a simple but crucial question: Are your compliance requirements fully up to date?


Following the Grenfell tragedy, and due to stricter environmental legislation, the UK has seen significant updates to safety regulations across electrical, fire and emergency systems. As your FM partner, our job is to help you stay compliant, safe, and ahead of upcoming regulation, so you have safe and compliant environments.


Here’s a quick reminder of what’s changed and what to plan for in 2026.


Electrical Compliance


AFDDs (Arc Fault Detection Devices) AFDDs are required for socket circuits in:

  • Buildings over 18 metres / 6+ storeys

  • Houses of multiple occupation (HMOs)

  • Student accommodation

  • Care homes


They are recommended for all other premises. AFDDs can detect hidden electrical faults that may not trip breakers, but could still start fires.


SPDs (Surge Protection Devices)If your building has lightning protection, SPDs must be installed to protect electrical equipment. If SPDs are declined, the property owner must now provide a written waiver.


Electrical Testing FrequencyCommercial installations must be tested every 5 years, either all at once, or in 20% yearly sections. All testing should follow BS7671: Amendment 2 (2022).


Emergency Lighting


Every escape route (plus areas leading to them) must be fitted with compliant emergency lighting that operates for 1–3 hours when power fails and must meets minimum Lux levels of 1 Lux or 10 Lux in high-risk areas.


To stay compliant emergency lighting must have a

✔ Monthly flick test

✔ Annual full drain-down

✔ Comply with BS5266-1


Fire Alarms


The new standard BS5839-1:2025 makes it mandatory for zone charts to be placed beside every fire alarm panel, this is to help firefighters determine the location of a fire as quickly as possible. These are no longer classed as a departure, if your site does not meet this, it must be rectified promptly.


Fire alarm supplies should be:

  • Fed from the origin of the electrical installation

  • Wired with fire-resistant cable in a colour different to all other circuits – typicall red.

  • On a key-operated fused spur with a neon power indicator

  • Tested every 6 months.


Fire Extinguishers


AFFF foam extinguishers are being replaced with water-mist alternatives. Visual checks should be carried out monthly by a responsible person such as a store manager, and fully serviced annually to comply with BS5306-2017.


Remedial Works


All remedial works must be completed without delay. If an electrical test flags a C1 defect, it should be rectified immediately as it indicates a dangerous condition has been found, usually exposed live parts.


Why This Matters


Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about protecting people, assets, and reputation. With regulations tightening, it’s far easier (and more cost-effective) to plan ahead than to catch up.


Let’s Start 2026 Safely


As experts in property legislation and regulation, SEE Services is your trusted partner for managing property compliance. Our range of compliance solutions covers everything, from testing through to remedial works. If you’re unsure whether your site is fully compliant, or due for testing, we can review your current status and provide a compliance roadmap for the year ahead.


Find out more about our compliance services here: https://www.see-services.com/comply

 
 
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