The Government has updated its guidance on second staircases in new tall residential buildings in England.
Lee Rowley, Minister for Housing, said that the change in policy to set an 18-metre height threshold for second staircases in all new residential buildings ‘reflects views of experts including the National Fire Chiefs Council and Royal Institute of British Architects’.
RIBA Chair of Board Jack Pringle said: “Almost seven years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Government’s official guidance for second staircases in new residential buildings over 18 metres is welcome.
“This marks a crucial step towards a safer built environment for all. It falls short of requiring a second fire-fighting shaft, which our consultation response called for, or evacuation lifts, both of which are vital for emergency evacuation and fire-fighting operations.
“We continue to work with the Government and the wider construction industry to demand changes to deliver safer homes. Safety must be our number one priority.”
