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After a long wait and lack of detail, the government has published its technical guidance of the second staircase rule.
The document released on Good Friday explains flats and residential buildings over 18m should have more than one common stairway.
Since figures suggest at least 38,000 new homes particularly in London have been affected, the released guidance will help to get these schemes moving again.
Implementing the changes will allow firefighters and other emergency services to be more effective and reduce the number of casualties due to fires and lack of evacuation routes.
What’s changing?
This requirement applies particularly where flats lack separation from the common stairwell by a protected lobby or when the maximum travel distance of 7.5 meters in one direction, or 30 meters in multiple directions, is surpassed.
It does not contain an absolute need for evacuation lifts but instead says that when evacuation lifts are installed, they ought to be situated within an evacuation shaft that encompasses a protected stairway, the evacuation lift itself, and an evacuation lift lobby. This lobby must serve as a refuge area for individuals awaiting the evacuation lift, offer direct entry to a protected stairway, and remain inaccessible directly from any flat, maisonette, storage room, or electrical equipment room.
The Housing Minister, Lee Rowley, said: “The change in guidance to include two staircases for buildings over 18m provides clarity for developers and ensures both new and existing buildings provide safe and secure homes for all residents.”
Click the link to read the full amendments to Approved Document B, as of March 2024.
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