Given their height, occupancy, and complex layouts, high-rise buildings pose unique fire safety challenges. In this High Rise Building Fire Safety Guide, we cover the essential fire prevention measures required for high-rise properties. From evacuation planning and maintenance of safety systems, to compliance with regulations, initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives, and learning from historical tragedies to improve building safety for all.

Fire prevention measures

The first line of defence in ensuring safety in high-rise buildings is ensuring that robust fire prevention systems are in place. Strict fire prevention measures are essential for building owners, managers, and builders to reduce risk. The four main proactive fire prevention measures cover areas including construction materials and design, electrical safety, hazard identification, and regulations. 

Intelligent decision-making regarding building materials can have a significant impact. Concrete, brick and fire-rated glass add both structural integrity and form a barrier against flames, which buys precious time for evacuation. Electrical malfunctions can be an invisible threat and crop up unexpectedly. Faulty wires and overloaded circuits are among the leading causes of fires in high-rise buildings, but regularly inspecting them can help catch these issues early. This involves managing high-energy electrical systems safely for commercial buildings, while in residential buildings, it means periodically checking outlets and kitchen appliances. 

Kitchens are hotspots for fire, and the smallest things can cause the most significant problems. Installing fire-rated doors and sprinklers with organised storage rooms and flammable materials stored away from heat sources can make all the difference. The fire safety needs for residential and commercial high-rises are quite distinct – and this is just one of many areas where the guidance differs more significantly. In residential spaces, fire safety is more focused on residents’ awareness of the safety routines for the building, whereas, for commercial buildings, the safety focus shifts towards the infrastructure.

Emergency Evacuation Plans

Even with comprehensive fire prevention techniques in place, things can still go wrong, and if they do, having an emergency evacuation plan is essential. This carefully crafted plan considers many extraneous variables and the unique details of each building. There are four main components to an effective plan

• Clear signage and instructions
• Clear assembly points
• Individual roles for building occupants
• Accessible emergency contact information. 

As with everything, practice makes perfect, and the importance of fire drills cannot be overstated. Although they may be unappealing and inconvenient at times, they’re essential to ensure that everyone knows the plan of action in advance if needed. It’s recommended that a full fire drill is undertaken at least twice a year, as this is also useful for spotting any weaknesses in the plan before an actual situation occurs. 

Evacuation routes need to be as accessible as possible, free from obstructions and well-lit with emergency lights that will be activated if the power fails. People with mobility issues and disabilities must be prioritised in evacuation plans, as they’re less able to navigate the building to find a safe space. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are customised plans designed to support individuals with additional assistance needs, which could involve assigning evacuation buddies or specific routes for mobility aids. 

Maintenance of fire safety systems

Having the right systems in place is one thing, but maintaining them is another. With fire prevention systems, maintenance is a necessity rather than just a recommendation. Fire alarms are the first line of defence when a fire breaks out, but they are only effective if the system works properly. They should be tested weekly, and a full system check should be carried out annually by a qualified professional to review the entire system, including control panels, manual call points, and smoke detectors.

When it comes to containing fires, sprinklers can buy precious time until fire services arrive. They are automatically activated when a fire is detected – but regular maintenance checks confirm they’re not blocked or damaged and have accessible water supplies. They should be inspected annually as a minimum, but a visual monthly check can flag issues early. 

Fire extinguishers are useful tools for diffusing small fires before they grow uncontrollably, but they need to be accessible and visible. They should be placed on every floor, but specifically around higher-risk zones like electrical rooms or kitchens. They should also be checked monthly to ensure they’re fully charged and need annual servicing by a professional.

Smoke is the most dangerous part of a fire, and with inhalation the leading cause of injury and death, smoke control systems are a vital lifeline for high-rise buildings. Smoke vents, extraction fans, and pressurisation equipment help direct smoke away from key escape routes to reduce the risk of inhalation. Keeping vents clear from obstruction is essential, so regular checks must be made to ensure they are still functioning optimally. 

Compliance with building fire safety regulations

Staying on the right side of the law should be a priority for building owners, managers and even tenants to avoid costly fines (and, more importantly, save lives). The main rules governing fire safety for high-rise buildings are outlined in the Building Regulations 2010 (Part B), and the Fire Safety Act 2021. They ensure buildings are designed, constructed and maintained with fire safety as a top priority. The Fire Safety Act 2021 was specifically introduced to help close the loopholes uncovered following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire. 

Proactivity is essential for compliance – from conducting regular fire risk assessments and checks to engaging with fire safety consultants to keep on top of any updates to the law and keeping ahead of the latest technological improvements for safety. Documentation is a real safety net when it comes to fire risk management and prevention, and detailed and thorough records of all inspections and upgrades are also invaluable for audits and incidents. This helps to track the history of safety systems, spot issues and plan future maintenance of properties. 

Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s the law enforced by local Fire and Rescue services, which can impose fines and close buildings if they identify a breach. Dedicated personnel such as fire marshals and safety officers keep everything in check regarding maintaining standards. They conduct regular drills and checks, educate occupants on evacuation procedures, and are the first point of contact for any fire concerns. 

Learning from high-rise fire tragedies

The past has been a harsh teacher, with high-profile incidents involving high-rise buildings that have underscored the devastating impact of insufficient fire protection systems acting as a catalyst for momentous changes in legislation. The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 started due to a broken fridge – but the fire quickly spread because of flammable cladding on the building’s exterior and lack of sprinklers. The fire led to 72 preventable deaths, and as a result, the horrific event encouraged stricter regulations on cladding materials, fire risk assessments and a review of evacuation policies. 

Grenfell wasn’t the first to attract national attention to the dangers of fire – in 2009, The Lakanal House fire highlighted the risks of out-of-date building design. A faulty TV started the fire, but ineffective fire doors, poorly mapped compartmentation, and insufficient sprinklers enabled the smoke and flames to spread rapidly, leading to 6 deaths, including 3 children. This highlighted the need to retrofit older buildings with modern updates to fire safety. In response to these tragic events, the UK government mandated stricter fire safety standards, including bans on flammable cladding and increased thorough fire risk assessments. 

High-rise building fire safety is a collective effort built on sturdy prevention measures, thorough evacuation planning, ongoing maintenance of safety systems and strict adherence to regulations. Learning from previous tragedies allows us to continuously improve practices – ensuring that high-rise buildings are safe spaces for all.