The British Standards Institution (BSI) is set to publish the revised BS 9991:2024, Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings – Code of practice, on 27 November 2024. This significant update addresses key fire safety standards in residential settings, incorporating lessons from recent industry changes and heightened awareness following the Grenfell tragedy.
The new version supersedes the 2015 edition, offering enhanced guidance on fire safety measures and aligning with evolving regulations across the UK. While the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 2 report, published in September 2024, did not specifically mandate changes to BS 9991, it reaffirmed the importance of robust, evidence-based standards.
Key Updates in BS 9991:2024
The revised standard introduces critical changes to enhance occupant safety and trust among stakeholders:
- Expanded Scope: Now includes recommendations for residential care homes, a significant addition to its coverage.
- Evacuation Lifts: Offers updated guidance on the design and implementation of evacuation lifts.
- Sprinkler Installation: Adjusts height thresholds for mandatory sprinkler systems.
- Single-Stair Buildings: Revises safety considerations for these designs, addressing a recurring concern in high-rise construction.
The updates aim to harmonise fire safety practices across the UK, bridging variations in regional regulations, including England’s Approved Document B, Scotland’s Technical Handbook 2, and Northern Ireland’s Technical Booklet E.
Scott Steedman, Director-General for Standards at BSI, emphasised the importance of this update: “The Grenfell tragedy and subsequent inquiry 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 highlighted that BS 9991:2024 offers comprehensive guidance on fire safety systems, ensuring effective escape routes and robust measures to protect occupants. The revisions also reflect the collective input from industry experts, regulators, and Fire and Rescue Services, following a thorough public consultation that generated over 1,800 comments.
Building a Safer Future
BS 9991:2024 aims to provide a “consensus-based mid-point” for the UK’s diverse fire safety regulations, fostering trust and compliance across the construction and property sectors. It underscores BSI’s commitment to upholding high safety standards in residential buildings and mitigating risks for both occupants and neighbouring properties.
For further details, BSI has published resources on their Standards Development Portal and is expected to host further discussions on implementing the revised guidance.
