The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2025 overview
The “Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2025” refer to the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025, which will come into effect on April 6, 2026. These regulations require owners and managers of high-rise or higher-risk residential buildings to create Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) for residents who may have difficulty evacuating alone. These plans involve identifying vulnerable residents, conducting person-centred fire risk assessments with their consent, and establishing tailored evacuation measures.
Key requirements
- Identify vulnerable residents: Building owners must identify residents who may need assistance during a fire, such as those with physical or cognitive impairments.
- Person-centred fire risk assessment: With the resident’s consent, a specific, person-centred fire risk assessment must be completed.
- Create RPEEPs: A Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (RPEEP) must be developed for each identified resident.
- Share information: Limited information from the plan must be shared with the local fire and rescue service.
- Mandatory building evacuation plans: The regulations also mandate the creation of a building emergency evacuation plan for these buildings.
Buildings affected
- Buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises
- At least 18 metres high or have at least seven storeys
- More than 11 metres high that have a simultaneous evacuation strategy
Compliance
- Responsible person: The “responsible person,” typically the building owner or manager, is responsible for compliance.
- Consent: Resident consent is required for the person-centred fire risk assessment.
- Data protection: Be mindful of data protection obligations, especially regarding sensitive information in the RPEEPs.
For further information complete our contact form by clicking here
