High-rise buildings offer breathtaking views and populate many towns and cities in the UK, but they also come with unique safety challenges. Regarding fire safety, the risks are even more pronounced due to the height, the number of floors, and the complexity of the infrastructure. Due to this, fire incidents in high-rise buildings have hit the headlines in recent years and could have been prevented if certain fire safety precautions had been followed.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the five most common fire safety mistakes in high-rise buildings and explore what can be done to avoid them.

Neglecting Regular Fire Drills and Emergency Evacuation Plans

Many high-rise buildings have emergency evacuation procedures in place, but they are often not practised regularly. In the event of a fire, occupants may panic or be unsure of the proper escape routes. Regular fire drills are critical to ensuring that both residents and employees know how to act promptly and safely in the event of an emergency. While many residential buildings follow a “stay-put” policy in the event of a fire, meaning residents do not evacuate unless directed, it is still essential that staff are trained and regularly practice emergency procedures, especially in buildings that are staffed. For buildings with staff, fire drills are necessary to ensure everyone is familiar with the evacuation plan for the entire building. 

While fire drills for residents themselves are uncommon, robust resident engagement, clear communication of the emergency plan, and regular provision of information are crucial. This ensures that all residents are aware of the procedures and know what to do in the event of a fire. Failing to conduct fire drills at least once or twice a year, or not reviewing and updating evacuation plans regularly, can confuse, especially if the evacuation plan is not understood properly. Additionally, fire alarms should be reliable and able to reach communal areas on every floor.

Blocking Fire Exits and Escape Routes

One of the most serious mistakes that can be made in a high-rise building is blocking fire exits or escape routes. Items like furniture, equipment, or even construction materials left in hallways, stairwells, or in front of fire doors can prevent residents or employees from reaching safety in the event of a fire.

Fire exits and escape routes should always be kept clear of obstructions, along with being easily and immediately openable. Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure these areas are accessible at all times. Additionally, fire doors should never be propped open, as they are designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke. 

Evacuation strategies must ensure that all occupants, including those with disabilities, have appropriate means of escape. In some buildings, a simultaneous evacuation strategy is employed, where all occupants evacuate at the same time. In other cases, a phased evacuation may be used, prioritising those at the highest risk to avoid overcrowding on escape routes. For some high-rise buildings, a “stay put” policy may be in place, meaning residents remain in their apartments unless directly affected by the fire. Additionally, individuals with restricted mobility may require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to be implemented. 

Failing to Maintain Fire Suppression Systems

Fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers and water mist, are crucial for slowing fire growth and preventing the spread of fire, along with helping to minimise damage. However, these systems are sometimes neglected due to poor maintenance or a lack of understanding of their importance. A fire suppression system that isn’t properly maintained might fail to work when it’s needed most.

Regular maintenance checks should be scheduled, along with the servicing of sprinklers and other active fire safety precautions, including smoke detectors, and fire alarms. All systems should be inspected by certified professionals frequently in line with the relevant British Standards and the manufacturer recommendations. Building owners and managers should keep detailed records of all inspections and repairs.

Smoke Control 

Another critical fire safety feature in high-rise buildings is an effective smoke control system. In the event of a fire, smoke can spread rapidly, compromising escape routes and visibility. To comply with UK Building Regulations buildings over 18 meters may include include smoke control measures such as smoke vents, pressurised stairwells, and smoke barriers. These systems are designed to contain and direct smoke away from escape routes, helping to ensure safe evacuation. Regular inspection and maintenance of these systems are essential to ensure their functionality in an emergency, preventing smoke from obstructing escape paths and saving lives.

Passive Fire Safety

In all buildings, fire resisting construction and fire stopping are crucial for preventing fire spread and ensuring structural integrity. Fire Resisting Construction protects structural elements like steel beams while fire-stopping seals gaps to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and heat between compartments. Inadequate or poorly applied fire-resistant materials can weaken the building’s safety, often going unnoticed until a fire occurs. To maintain fire safety, all elements of the building, not just structural components, should be equipped with proper fire-resistant materials, regularly inspected, and updated to meet current standards. The fire strategy dictates which elements of the building must be constructed with fire-resistant materials, but this does not apply to every element. Fire-resistant construction typically includes means of escape, high fire-risk rooms, structural elements, and other elements as required. Regular fire safety audits should be conducted by experts to ensure compliance with building regulations.

In high-rise buildings, fire doors are essential in slowing the spread of fire and smoke as they help to seal off different sections of the building. Fire doors are designed to withstand fire and smoke for a specific period, usually 30 to 60 minutes (but can be more). Flat entrance doors must also be fire-resistant to protect individual homes under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Regular checks and maintenance are required to ensure fire doors function properly during an emergency. 

In our previous blog ‘Rising to the Challenge: Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings’ we highlighted one of the most impactful reforms the Building Safety Act. Read more about that here. 

Lack of Proper Staff Training and Awareness

Even with the best fire safety systems in place, if staff and building occupants are not properly trained or aware of emergency procedures, the risk during an emergency increases significantly. Regular training ensures everyone knows how to respond to fire alarms, evacuate safely, and use fire safety equipment when needed.

This training should cover:

• Evacuation routes and assembly points.
• Use of fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment.
• Procedures for assisting individuals with mobility challenges.

When staff and occupants are well-prepared, they can act swiftly and decisively, helping save lives and minimise damage.

Creating an Effective Fire Safety Management Strategy

As we have touched upon in key points in this blog, fire safety in high-rise buildings requires constant attention and vigilance. By avoiding these critical mistakes, building owners, managers, and residents can significantly reduce the risks associated with fire incidents. Regular drills, clear escape routes, well-maintained active and passive fire safety systems, and comprehensive staff training are all essential components of an effective fire safety strategy. 

Taking proactive measures today can make all the difference when it comes to protecting lives and property in the event of a fire. Always remember, safety isn’t just about having systems in place, it’s about ensuring everyone knows how to use them and is prepared when it matters most. Contact PB Safety to find out how we can help today.