Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats

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.

TheIt guide was originally 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 2023.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,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 Emergencycurrent EvacuationEEIS Information Sharing Plus consultationConsultation. (theAll EEIS+those consultation),with whichan raninterest fromare 18encouraged Mayto respond to 21the Augustcurrent 2022.consultation,  Thewhich responsesruns totill the10 EEIS+August, consultationtaking areinto currentlyaccount beingthe reviewedinformation andin the government willresponse publishto athe responsePEEPs inconsultation dueresponse, course.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 Council’s guidance on simultaneous evacuation.