GovWire

This document is a guide to ensuring adequate fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats, regardless of age. Practical advice is offered on how to assess the risk from fire and how to manage fire safety in such buildings. The document also includes case studies based on the commonly found issues in blocks of flats, with suggested fire safety solutions.

It was produced in 2011 and summarised the legislation, guidance and best practice at the time of writing and should be viewed as no longer comprehensive. The Home Office is currently working on a revised version of this guide which we intend to publish in early 2022. In the interim, it is continued to be made available to fire safety professionals as it contains relevant and useful information for purpose-built blocks of flats.

In particular the position laid out in regard to vulnerable persons in paragraphs 79.9 to 79.11 is subject to developing policy, through the Personal Emergency Evacuations Plan consultation which closed on 19 July 2021, and the current EEIS Plus Consultation. All those with an interest are encouraged to respond to the current consultation, which runs till 10 August, taking into account the information in the government response to the PEEPs consultation response, which is accessible through the same link.

Responsible persons should note that they remain responsible for fire safety in their premises and should identify and implement measures specific to their premises and the people in them their duties are unaffected by the removal of these paragraphs.

It is recommended that this guide is read alongside the National Fire Chief Councils guidance on simultaneous evacuation.