Earlier this summer, Downing Street announced a shift in building safety regulations, lowering the mandatory height for a second staircase in High-Risk Residential Buildings (HRRBs) from 30m to 18m.
The announcement has provoked debate within the industry, most recently resulting in a group of fire experts writing an open letter to the government calling for more clarity about the new rules.
The Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 raised pressing questions. How could a building, in one of the world’s most advanced cities, become a death trap? Were there lapses in safety protocols? And more importantly, could this have been prevented?
The disaster, with its profound human cost, acted as a wake-up call for multiple stakeholders, especially within the construction, housing, and regulatory sectors.
The subsequent investigations, public outcry, and media spotlight highlighted issues related to building safety, cladding materials, and fire prevention protocols. As the layers were peeled back, it became evident that the industry and the regulations governing it required an urgent and radical overhaul.
The Building Safety Act emerged as a direct result of this introspection. The Act focusses on high-risk residential buildings, recognising the unique challenges these structures pose, especially in terms of evacuation and containment of potential hazards.
Whilst the Building Safety Act itself was comprehensive, it was evident that the journey towards a safer living environment was evolutionary and required continuous refining. Drawing from the stark lessons of the Grenfell disaster and the intricate reviews it spurred, the idea of a second staircase emerged not just as a recommendation but as a necessity.
The second staircase legislation was formally proposed in December 2022, crystallising the efforts of many who believed in bolstering evacuation procedures in high-risk residential buildings.
By introducing a second staircase, the aim is to distribute the evacuation flow, significantly reducing the time taken for residents to exit the building. It’s a dual route, offering an alternative egress point if one pathway becomes inaccessible due to fire, debris, or other obstructions.
At first it was mandated that every HRRB above 30 metres would be required to incorporate a second staircase. Subsequently, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities declared in July that the 30m height threshold would be lowered to 18m. This was a major recalibration, bringing a broader spectrum of buildings under the safety legislation.
Mr Gove said, “This is a considered and gradual evolution of safety standards which, when taken with our other fire safety measures and reforms, ensures the safety of people in all tall buildings – both new and existing.”
The updated height criteria align England with numerous other global nations and Scotland, where towers exceeding 18m with only a single staircase are already prohibited. The reduced height was a recommendation by several industry associations, including architects’ body RIBA.
With the ever-evolving nature of the second staircase legislation and the broader Building Safety Act, the industry is currently in a transitional phase. Developers, architects, contractors, and other stakeholders are working collaboratively to ensure that they not only comply with the new regulations but also champion the ethos behind them.
It’s a positive sign that the construction industry has rallied behind the latest ‘safety first’ approach the government is adopting. While the second staircase legislation may have introduced logistical challenges in the short term, it speaks volumes about our collective commitment to placing the safety and wellbeing of residents at the forefront of all construction projects.
Tony Hill, Managing Director at Eden Facades, comments:
“The second staircase legislation and the overarching Building Safety Act, while challenging in their implementation, represent a significant step forward for the construction industry. Being abreast of these changes and understanding their implications, demonstrates our dedication to quality and safety.
“It’s not just about keeping pace with the industry; it’s about leading by example and showcasing that at the heart of all we do lies a commitment to excellence and safety for all.”
If you need facade and cladding solutions from an experienced and reliable partner, contact Eden Facades today for a discussion on how we can help meet your requirements.
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