The second staircase guidance and how it impacts you
While the country was enjoying a bank holiday for Good Friday, the government published technical guidance on the second staircase rule at long last.
This had been months in the making and now housebuilders have a definitive answer, it is set to make their lives a lot easier.
But what exactly is the guidance and why is it so important? In this article, we will explain what the guidance is and how it can affect you moving forwards.
Back in December 2022, the government revealed that all new residential buildings over 30 metres would need two staircases, however, this was protested by a number of industry bodies. The reasons for the protestations revolved around safety.
As such, the government sat down with them and agreed that the height should be lowered. In July 2023, the government knocked 12 metres off the height, so now any residential building with a height of over 18 metres will need two staircases.
With that agreed, the government stated in October 2023 that there would be a 30-month transition period from the approved document's release date.
On March 28, the approved document was released, meaning that the guidance will kick in at the start of October 2026. From this date, it will be compulsory for new buildings over 18 metres being built to have two staircases.
During this time, any new applications for buildings over 18 metres can either follow the old guidance, or choose to follow the new one.
The existing guidance states that a building of over 18 metres can just have a single staircase, but there is a reason why the second staircase guidance is being brought into effect.
Ultimately though, the choice is to get ahead of the curve before October 2026 or to just have a single staircase like normal.
This is where there is some conjecture, as while on the face of it the answer is yes, the deeper answer is a bit more nuanced.
While the guidance insists on two staircases for buildings over 18 metres, it doesn’t say anything about having evacuation lifts or a second fire-fighting shaft as compulsory.
It does state that in the event of an evacuation lift being fit, then they should be provided in an evacuation shaft, which will come with an evacuation lift lobby and a protected stair, but that’s it.
This has angered some bodies, who believe that while this is just a minimum requirement, the guidance doesn’t go far enough in keeping people safe.
New regulations can throw people off kilter as it can change how they work, but as a result of reading this, you will hopefully be aware of the impact of the guidance.
If you would like to get in contact with us to discuss it further, you can find out how to contact us by clicking this link.
This had been months in the making and now housebuilders have a definitive answer, it is set to make their lives a lot easier.
But what exactly is the guidance and why is it so important? In this article, we will explain what the guidance is and how it can affect you moving forwards.
What is the guidance?
Back in December 2022, the government revealed that all new residential buildings over 30 metres would need two staircases, however, this was protested by a number of industry bodies. The reasons for the protestations revolved around safety.
As such, the government sat down with them and agreed that the height should be lowered. In July 2023, the government knocked 12 metres off the height, so now any residential building with a height of over 18 metres will need two staircases.
With that agreed, the government stated in October 2023 that there would be a 30-month transition period from the approved document's release date.
On March 28, the approved document was released, meaning that the guidance will kick in at the start of October 2026. From this date, it will be compulsory for new buildings over 18 metres being built to have two staircases.
How will the transition period impact me?
During this time, any new applications for buildings over 18 metres can either follow the old guidance, or choose to follow the new one.
The existing guidance states that a building of over 18 metres can just have a single staircase, but there is a reason why the second staircase guidance is being brought into effect.
Ultimately though, the choice is to get ahead of the curve before October 2026 or to just have a single staircase like normal.
Does a second staircase guarantee safety?
This is where there is some conjecture, as while on the face of it the answer is yes, the deeper answer is a bit more nuanced.
While the guidance insists on two staircases for buildings over 18 metres, it doesn’t say anything about having evacuation lifts or a second fire-fighting shaft as compulsory.
It does state that in the event of an evacuation lift being fit, then they should be provided in an evacuation shaft, which will come with an evacuation lift lobby and a protected stair, but that’s it.
This has angered some bodies, who believe that while this is just a minimum requirement, the guidance doesn’t go far enough in keeping people safe.
Clearing up the news
New regulations can throw people off kilter as it can change how they work, but as a result of reading this, you will hopefully be aware of the impact of the guidance.
If you would like to get in contact with us to discuss it further, you can find out how to contact us by clicking this link.
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