New fire safety rules: Residential personal emergency evacuation plans (RPEEPs)
New rules now require carefully thought-out evacuation plans for residents who may need help to escape in a fire.
The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) Regulations mean that building owners (often called responsible persons) must:
- Identify residents who may need help to get out in a fire
- Carry out a personal fire risk assessment for these residents
- Take reasonable steps to reduce any risks
- Provide a written emergency evacuation statement
- Share relevant information with the local Fire and Rescue Service (with the resident's agreement)
These rules apply to high-rise buildings (18m+/7+ storeys) and some medium-rise buildings (11m+) in England.
Practical and detailed information is available in the residential PEEPs guidance page on GOV.UK and the Responsible Person Toolkit.
