HTM 05-01 Update: A Defining Moment for Fire Safety in Healthcare
Recent changes to HTM 05-01 ‘Managing Healthcare Fire Safety’ mark a pivotal shift in how fire safety is delivered, managed and governed across healthcare estates. One of the important changes in the new guidance is the redefinition of the traditional Authorising Engineer (Fire) into two specialised roles.
What’s Changed — and Why It Matters
The former single Authorising Engineer (Fire) role has now been divided into:
- Independent Expert Advisor (Authorising Engineer) – responsible for the traditional AE(Fire) duties including the annual auditing of fire safety management systems
- Specialist Fire Engineer – responsible for fire engineering work and advice on building projects, refurbishment works and where fire engineering solutions are required
Key Changes to the Authorising Engineer Role
- Both roles should be carried out by engineers who are members of at least one relevant professional healthcare fire safety body including IHEEM, IFSM or the IFE.
- The Independent Expert Advisor should carry on completing annual AE audits that assess, audit and report upon the fire safety management sans structure that are in place across a healthcare estate. This role remains very similar to that of the previous AE(Fire).
- The Specialist Fire Engineer should be engaged when independent fire engineering advice or guidance is required where building works are being completed across a healthcare site. Their role will include providing specialist fire engineering advice, fire engineering solutions and completing fire strategies.
This change in the guidance allows for two clearly defined fire engineering roles within the healthcare fire safety sector. It will help ensure healthcare providers are fulfilling both the crucial Authorising Engineer auditing responsibility whilst also ensuring that all project works completed across their healthcare estates are subject to up to date and relevant fire engineering standards and guidance.
BlueLight Fire Engineering - Trusted Expertise in a Changing Landscape
BlueLight Fire Engineering are experienced in providing Authorising Engineer and fire engineering services across the healthcare sector. As a trusted partner to a growing number of NHS Trusts and private healthcare providers, we help our clients ensure both the Independent Expert Advisor and Specialist Fire Engineer roles are fully satisfied.
Get in Touch
If you would like to understand how these changes impact your organisation or need support implementing the new HTM 05-01 requirements we would be happy to discuss your needs and provide tailored advice and support. Please contact us via our website or follow our LinkedIn channel. We are always happy to discuss solutions tailored to your needs.
What our clients say
Bluelight Fire Engineering have consistently delivered an excellent standard of technical expertise and professionalism. Their engineers bring a depth of knowledge that gives confidence, particularly when navigating complex healthcare environments. At the same time, they remain approachable, supportive, and invested in helping us make informed, safe decisions.
Their reports and recommendations are clear, their communication is always reliable, their commitment to safety and service is evident in every interaction, and I would not hesitate to recommend Bluelight Fire Engineering to any organisation seeking robust, dependable fire engineering support.
Gary Price NEBOSH(fire) TIFireE MIFSM MIFPO, Trust Fire Safety Manager
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Working alongside the fire team from BlueLight Fire Engineering has had an extremely positive impact on the Trust’s fire safety arrangements and overall compliance standards.
The support provided by our Authorising Engineer (Fire), Lance, goes far beyond the title itself. He is consistently hands-on, approachable and solution-focused, always working collaboratively with the team to achieve the best possible outcomes.
His knowledge, practical support and commitment to high standards of fire safety have been invaluable in strengthening governance, improving compliance and supporting continuous improvement across the Trust.
The relationship has been nothing but positive, and his support has become an integral part of the progress and assurance we continue to achieve.
Raquel Amaro, Fire Safety Manager
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust