Fire safety and life safety regulations are the backbone of keeping people safe and protecting property across all sectors. The latest update, BS 9991:2024—Fire Safety in the Design, Management, and Use of Residential Buildings – Code of Practice  was released on November 27, 2024 replacing the 2015 edition. This update brings important changes designed to improve fire safety and life safety standards in residential spaces.
At Baldwin Boxall, we’ve taken an in-depth look into the updated BS 9991:2024 standard to provide you with a clear, practical guide on what you need to know and how it might impact your projects. This breaks down the key changes, making it easier for you to navigate these new fire safety and life safety requirements with confidence. The updated code introduces crucial modifications to residential building safety protocols that stakeholders need to address to ensure compliance and maximise safety.
We’re here to simplify this process for you, especially when it comes to providing Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) systems. Our straightforward solutions or Residential Ready EVC make integrating these essential life safety measures into your projects seamless and stress-free. Let us help you stay ahead of the curve and fully prepared for these new regulations.
Notable Changes in BS 9991:2024
Key Updates:
- Expanded Scope: The standard now includes residential care homes, addressing the unique fire safety needs of vulnerable occupants and ensuring better protection for all residents.
- Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) Systems: A key requirement of the updated standard is the integration of EVC systems in buildings. These systems are now crucial for ensuring effective communication during emergencies, providing clear instructions to occupants and aiding emergency responders in managing evacuations.
- Tall Building Guidelines: For tall buildings, the updated standard provides more detailed and practical recommendations on critical safety aspects, helping to ensure compliance with modern fire safety challenges.
- Evacuation Lifts: There have been significant changes to evacuation lift requirements. Each escape stairway must now be equipped with its own dedicated evacuation lift for rapid evacuations. For buildings over 50 meters, lifts must also be certified as firefighting lifts, capable of functioning as evacuation lifts when needed.
- Sprinkler Systems: Revised height limits for sprinkler installations now ensure more effective fire suppression, with enhanced requirements for buildings over 18 meters to meet Category 4 standards.
- Fire Telephones and Emergency Communication: In buildings taller than 50 meters, it’s crucial to ensure reliable communication for fire and rescue services. This can be achieved by installing systems like radiating cables (leaky feeders), distributed antenna systems (DAS), or dedicated fire telephones to maintain effective communication during emergencies.
- Single-Stair Buildings: New recommendations have been introduced to enhance safety for buildings with a single means of escape.
- Ancillary Areas & External Wall Systems: Updated provisions aim to minimize fire risks in ancillary areas and external wall systems, ensuring overall building safety.
These updates emphasise the increasing importance of safety measures like EVC Systems and evacuation lifts in modern fire and life safety strategies.
Implementation and Requirements
Implementing the new fire and life safety standards outlined in BS 9991:2024, which became effective on November 27, 2024 is now a requirement on all new residential developments. Â These comprehensive standards will impact key decision-makers across the building industry, including:
- Architects and Designers: tasked with incorporating fire safety and life safety measures into new construction projects.
- Fire Safety Engineers and Risk assessors: responsible for evaluating and certifying building safety.
- Facility and property /building managers: overseeing residential structures.
- Residential care home operators: managing facilities for vulnerable occupants.
Developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) after an extensive consultation process, which included feedback from over 1,800 public comments, these updated standards are designed to address modern building complexities while remaining practical for industry professionals.
Why BS 9991:2024 Matters
New focus on EVC Emergency Voice Communications systems
One critical focus is on life safety planning. Decision-makers are now expected to prioritise best practices to ensure occupant safety. This includes adopting Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) systems, such as Baldwin Boxall’s Residential-Ready CARE2 Radial Wired EVC system. These systems provide essential two-way communication between emergency services or building management and individuals needing assistance during an evacuation.
Such advanced communication systems are a cornerstone of life safety infrastructure, particularly for buildings housing vulnerable populations. They ensure clear, reliable communication in emergencies, facilitating safe and efficient evacuations.
Smart Planning for Compliance
Meeting the new standards doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key lies in smart planning:
- Evaluate your current systems: Get a clear picture of your building’s fire safety infrastructure.
- Create a phased implementation plan: Spread costs while ensuring all upgrades meet the deadlines.
- Regularly assess and adjust: Update your plans to align with evolving requirements and technological advancements.
Getting the right advice
At Baldwin Boxall, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Our team offers:
- Expert advice: Tailored guidance to meet BS 9991:2024 standards.
- Cutting-edge EVCS solutions: Designed for seamless integration into residential buildings.
- Comprehensive support: From system design and installation guidance to ongoing maintenance and compliance training.
Life safety is a crucial responsibility for decision-makers in the building industry. By understanding and implementing BS 9991:2024, you’re not only ensuring compliance but also making a long-term investment in the safety and well-being of building occupants.
