National guidelines for high-rise evacuations
The government develop national guidelines for carrying out partial or total evacuations of high-rise residential buildings, such guidelines to include the means of protecting fire exit routes and procedures for evacuating persons who are unable to use the stairs in an emergency, or who may require assistance (such as disabled people, older people and young children).
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe government accepted in principle all Phase 1 recommendations directed at central government. The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick presented the formal response to Parliament on 21 January 2020, committing to new duties on building owners and managers through the Fire Safety Bill and Building Safety Bill, including requirements for premises information boxes, floor plans, lift inspections, fire door checks, evacuation signage, and fire safety instructions to residents.
Progress Timeline
Completed. National Evacuation Guidelines for carrying out partial or total evacuations of high-rise residential buildings were published on 5 February 2024. It is now for NFCC and FRSs to consider how best to draw on the guidelines in the development of their operational guidance.