Evacuation lift requirements “should be based on resident need rather than building height”

In its response to a consultation on changes to Approved Document B, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) called for the wider provision of evacuation lifts to support residents who are unable to use stairs.  This would ensure everyone can reach a place of safety without external assistance.  While current proposals would require evacuation lifts only on buildings over 18metres tall, the NFCC believes that safe evacuation should be based on people’s needs rather than the height of a building.  The body also called for the increased use of sprinklers in specialised housing, with or without care provision.