Anticipated Guidance Released by Government Regarding Second Staircase Regulation
New Fire Safety Guidelines in the UK Mandate Second Staircase in Tall Residential Buildings
Starting from March 29, 2024, tall residential buildings over 18 metres in height in the UK will be required to have a second staircase installed to provide an additional escape route in emergencies. This change is part of broader updates to fire safety laws aimed at improving evacuation safety by reducing congestion and delays.
The second staircase requirement applies to residential buildings taller than 18 metres and is intended to help residents exit more quickly and safely during fires. The new guidelines, announced by Michael Gove last year, are being phased in over several years starting in 2025 to 2029 to allow time for compliance.
The enhancement of fire risk assessor competence is also part of the new focus to ensure better identification and management of risks alongside physical building requirements like the second staircase.
In the new guidelines, evacuation lifts should be located within an evacuation shaft containing a protected stairway, evacuation lift, and evacuation lift lobby. The change in guidance for buildings over 18 metres includes the requirement for two staircases to provide clarity for developers and ensure safe and secure homes for all residents.
The installation of second staircases in residential buildings aims to improve fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures in tall structures. The new regulations are being introduced following the Grenfell Tower incident, which highlighted the need for improved fire safety measures in tall blocks of flats.
It's worth noting that interlocked stairs do not constitute an alternative means of escape, as stated in earlier guidelines. The new regulations align with the post-Grenfell Tower inquiry recommendations emphasizing improved fire safety in tall blocks of flats.
Evacuation lifts will not be a requirement in the new guidelines. However, the evacuation lift lobby in new buildings over 18 metres should provide a refuge area for residents, have direct access to a protected stairway, and not be accessible from any flat, maisonette, storage room, or electrical equipment room.
Jersey, a UK Crown dependency, is separately introducing mandatory fire safety regulations for buildings over 11 metres tall with two or more dwellings and communal corridors, reflecting similar principles though with some different criteria and focus.
The Department for Levelling Up has published guidance for the second staircase rule. The transition period for the second staircase rule ends on 30 September 2026.
In summary, the key updated UK fire safety guideline for tall blocks of flats mandates a second escape staircase for residential buildings exceeding 18 metres in height, improving evacuation routes and aligning with Grenfell inquiry recommendations.
The new UK fire safety guidelines, effective from 2024, will require residential buildings above 18 metres to install a second staircase, aligning with the post-Grenfell Tower inquiry recommendations for improved fire safety. This modification is part of a broader housing policy-and-legislation focusing on enhancing evacuation safety by reducing congestion and delays.
In the realm of politics, Michael Gove announced these updates last year, with the implementation being phased in from 2025 to 2029. This general news signifies a significant shift in the policy relating to fire safety in tall residential buildings.
