New fire safety guidance for residential buildings
The UK’s national standards body will publish the revised fire safety standard BS 9991:2024 on 27 November 2024, superseding the previous 2015 version.
This update provides detailed recommendations for fire safety in the design, management, and use of residential buildings.
The revisions come after extensive consultation with stakeholders and were already in progress before the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report in September 2024.
Although the Grenfell report did not recommend specific updates to BS 9991, it reinforced the importance of maintaining thorough and current fire safety standards.
Key changes in the updated BS 9991:2024
The revised standard expands its scope to include residential care homes and introduces updated guidance on evacuation lifts.
It also revises sprinkler installation height limits and considerations for single-stair buildings to enhance safety.
The updates aim to provide clear recommendations for mitigating fire risks and ensuring life safety in residential settings.
They also address the need for protecting property and businesses near residential complexes from fire impacts.
Alignment with UK fire safety regulations
BS 9991:2024 is designed for use across the UK, harmonising guidance with regional regulations such as Approved Document B in England and Wales, Technical Handbook 2 in Scotland, and Technical Booklet E in Northern Ireland.
The document represents a consensus-based approach, balancing the requirements of these differing regulations while supporting statutory guidance.
This unified approach seeks to enhance trust among stakeholders, including residents, property managers, and regulatory authorities.
BSI’s remarks on the importance of updated standards
Scott Steedman, Director-General of Standards at BSI, emphasised the relevance of the updated standard.
He said: “The Grenfell tragedy and the subsequent inquiry and report have brought the issue of building safety into focus for the whole sector and beyond.
“It is critical that we ensure all standards reflect the latest evidence.”
He added: “The updated BS 9991 guides the design, installation, and maintenance of fire safety systems in residential buildings, ensuring that effective escape routes and fire safety measures are in place to protect occupants and enhance overall safety.
“This new edition has been fully revised, taking into account extensive changes within industry and the increased focus on robust fire safety measures.”
BS 9991:2024 summary
The updated fire safety standard BS 9991:2024 will be published by BSI on 27 November 2024, following extensive consultation.
The revised guidance includes expanded provisions for residential care homes, updated evacuation lift recommendations, and new sprinkler height limits.
It aligns with regional fire safety regulations across the UK and aims to improve trust and compliance among stakeholders.
BSI has expressed its gratitude to the technical experts and organisations involved in updating the standard.
The technical committee FSH/14, comprising industry experts, regulators, and Fire and Rescue Service representatives, contributed to this update.
Further information on FSH/14 is available on BSI’s Standards Development Portal.