The British Standards Institution has published an important update to fire safety standards
The fire safety standard update revises BS 9991:2024, a code of practice for fire safety in residential buildings
The update provides comprehensive guidance on fire safety design, management, and use in residential buildings. The update was published on 27 November.
The update has been published and can be read in full here.
The fire safety standard update addresses various aspects
The update, titled Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – Code of practice, provides recommendations and guidance for measures in controlling or mitigating the effects of fire and achieve an adequate standard of life-safety in the event of a fire building.
The update contains information on evacuation lifts, sprinkler systems, and single-stair building height limits, among other aspects.
The update reflects changes within the industry following extensive consultation post-Grenfell disaster, after the publication of the final investigative report into the incident was released in September.
The update supersedes the original BS 9991: 2015, and is intended to serve as a “mid-point” between various fire safety documents across the UK, including Approved Document B in England and Wales, Technical Handbook 2 in Scotland, and Technical Booklet E in Northern Ireland.
“New edition has been fully revised”
Scott Steedman, director-general, standards at BSI, 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.
“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. BSI remains extremely grateful to the panel of experts who worked on this and their dedication over the last few years.”
