31.—(1) This Article applies where regulations under Article 30(1) make provision for or in connection with the maintenance of premises, facilities or equipment with a view to securing the safety of fire and rescue officers or other fire-fighters in the event of a fire in relevant premises (“safeguarding provision”).
(2) The Department may by regulations apply, subject to any modifications (specified in the regulations) that it considers necessary, the safeguarding provision to common areas of private dwellings.
(3) In paragraph (2), “common area” includes, where a stair, passage, garden, yard, garage, outhouse or other appurtenance of a private dwelling is used in common by the occupants of more than one private dwelling, that stair, passage, garden, yard, garage, outhouse or other appurtenance.