The Stay Put Policy Under Scrutiny

The concept of "stay put" in high-rise buildings is fundamentally sound—provided that compartmentalisation is effective. This fire safety strategy relies on properly maintained fire doors, fire stopping, and secure service access points to prevent the spread of fire. However, the tragic events of Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017 highlighted the devastating consequences when these protections fail. The failure of passive fire safety measures rendered the stay put policy ineffective, leading to a catastrophic loss of life.

The Impact of Grenfell on Fire Safety Regulations

In the wake of Grenfell, the UK government has been compelled to reassess Approved Document B of the Building Regulations, which governs fire safety. Stakeholders from across the property and fire safety industries have been consulted, and changes are being introduced. However, concerns remain about whether these updates sufficiently address the lessons learned from Grenfell.

The Missing Element: Escape Planning

Despite regulatory revisions, no clear guidance has been provided on what residents should do if the stay put policy fails. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) recently raised concerns that too much focus is being placed on preventing fire spread through building design, while critical aspects such as warning systems, escape plans, and fire service access remain overlooked.

RIBA’s Call for Stronger Fire Safety Measures

RIBA has urged the government to include specific fire safety measures in Approved Document B, including:

• A requirement for at least two staircases in new multiple occupancy residential buildings.
• The introduction of centrally addressable fire alarms to help fire crews quickly locate the source of a fire.
• The mandatory installation of sprinklers in all new and converted residential buildings, as well as retrofitting sprinklers in existing buildings over 18 metres tall.

Industry Experts Weigh In

Jane Duncan, chair of RIBA’s expert advisory group on fire safety, has been vocal about the inadequacies in current regulations. She argues that it is unacceptable for buildings to continue being constructed under flawed fire safety standards—an opinion widely shared by industry professionals and fire safety advocates.

The Road Ahead for Fire Safety Regulations

While the government continues to shape its response to Grenfell, it remains to be seen whether these critical concerns will be addressed. The hope is that future regulations will prioritise not just fire prevention, but also clear and effective escape strategies to protect lives in the event of a fire emergency.