In December 2011 the British Standards Institution issued a new standard, BS 9991: 2011: “Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings code of practice”.
The guidance complements BS 9999 and supersedes BS 5588-1: 1990, however please do contact us if you have any queries about how the new Standard could affect you.
The Standard covers means of escape, access and facilities for fire-fighting, and active fire protection, among other elements. BS 9991:2011 is applicable to the design of new buildings, and to material alterations, extensions and material change of use of an existing building. It also provides guidance on the ongoing management of fire safety in a building throughout the entire life cycle of the building, including guidance for designers to ensure that the overall design of a building assists and enhances the management of fire safety. It can be used as a tool for assessing existing buildings, although fundamental change in line with the guidelines might well be limited or not practicable.
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