The government has proposed that all residential buildings above 18m must have a second staircase for safety reasons.
While this rule has already been implemented in London, several built environment bodies have called for the threshold to be lowered to 18m in a recent letter.
It reads: “We are calling on government to reduce the height threshold for more than one staircase to 18 metres – implementing what we believe to be best practice, improving safety for occupants, and harmonising standards with the wider regulatory environment. This would also align with rules in Scotland, where an additional staircase from 18 metres has been required for four years."
Housing Secretary, Michael Gove has also been urged to include evacuation lifts, sprinklers and centrally addressable fire alarm systems in all qualifying residential settings.
RIBA president Simon Allford stated his support for the 18m second staircase rule and said action to make buildings “as safe as is reasonably possible” is long overdue.
“Five years have passed since the fire at Grenfell Tower, and still we must make the case and take bolder action to help prevent further avoidable tragedies,” he adds.
“We urge the government to improve fire safety standards - and clarity on appropriate staircase design and provision is essential.”
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