Revised residential buildings fire standard now covers care homes

Ron Alalouff examines a newly published version of BS 9991, aimed at updating design, construction and building management fire safety provisions for all types of residential buildings.

A newly revised edition of BS 9991 – the UK’s fire safety standard for residential buildings – now includes guidance for residential care homes, revised guidance for sprinklers and single-stair buildings, and updates on ancillary areas, kitchens and external wall systems.

BS 9991:2024 Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Residential Buildings – Code of Practice was published last month and supersedes BS 9991:2015.

The changes are said to reflect the increasing complexity of modern building designs and the evolving knowledge of fire behaviour, materials and fire safety systems. BSI says the revised standard “addresses the complexities of modern building design, including mixed-use and high-rise structures, offering solutions for even the most challenging fire safety scenarios”.

Key changes to the standard include:

• Expanded scope: BS 9991 now covers residential care homes, acknowledging the unique evacuation needs and fire safety challenges of such premises
• Explicit exclusions on timber have been removed: The scope of the standard has been limited in terms of reaction-to-fire classifications of load-bearing elements, to better reflect the available evidence regarding the use of mass timber in medium and high residential buildings
• Revised guidance for sprinklers and single-stair buildings: Updates include a new height limit for single-stair buildings and adjustments to sprinkler installation guidelines
• European classifications for fire doors: National fire door classifications have been replaced with European classifications, to ensure consistency and reliability in fire resistance
• Enhanced recommendations for smoke control and evacuation lifts: Improved provisions for smoke control systems and detailed recommendations for evacuation lifts
• Updates on ancillary areas, kitchens and external wall systems: The recommendations for these areas have been revised to account for the latest safety practices

As well as being aimed at design and construction professionals involved in new buildings and alterations and extensions to existing buildings, BS 9991 is also suitable for building owners and managers who want to comply with legislation and best practice and ensure the protection of occupants in the event of a fire. It includes guidance on new and emerging risks, such as those involving electric scooters and wheelchair charging.

Buildings within scope of the revised standard are dwellings (e.g. houses, flats and maisonettes), blocks of flats and apartments (including high-risk residential buildings, other residential buildings such as student and medical staff accommodation) and specialised housing. Care homes are now included in a new Section 10.

There is an increased emphasis on the importance of inclusive fire safety management, especially the attention that is needed to prepare personal assistance and evacuation plans for those who require support and help in the event of a fire emergency.

Integrated approach to fire safety

The standard has been developed in accordance with the principles of integrated fire safety, says BSI, linking design with fire safety management and consideration of the situations that arise in practice while the building is in use. It applies the principle of several fire safety measures working together, rather than any individual measure being relied on in isolation.

“The Grenfell tragedy and the subsequent inquiry and report have brought the issue of building safety into focus for the whole sector and beyond,” said Scott Steedman, Director-General, Standards at BSI. “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.”

The post Revised residential buildings fire standard now covers care homes appeared first on SHP – Health and Safety News, Legislation, PPE, CPD and Resources.