New Fire Safety Rules Land in September — Are Building Owners Ready?

It’s easy to see fire safety as something tackled only reactively — after an inspection, a complaint, or an incident. The regulatory landscape in 2026 makes that approach increasingly difficult to justify.

From 30 September, new amendments to Approved Document B mandate second staircases in new residential buildings over 18 metres, along with evacuation lifts for assisted escape. From April, new regulations on Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans have already come into force. A major new national fire protection framework — covering compartmentation surveys, fire door sets, external wall assessments, and escape route works across public sector buildings — is currently out for early market engagement, replacing the existing framework later in the year. The direction of travel is clear.

None of this alters what is already required by current legislation. Responsible persons remain obliged to inspect flat entrance and communal fire doors regularly, ensure self-closers function correctly, and maintain compartmentation. Many fail to meet these standards. A compartmentation survey conducted today often uncovers penetrations, damaged intumescent seals, and missing protections that have been in place for years — invisible to occupants and legally the responsibility of the landlord or building manager.

Spectra holds IFC accreditation for passive fire protection and fire stopping across commercial and residential buildings. If your last compartmentation survey was over twelve months ago — or you’ve had any building works since — it’s advisable to review your situation well before September.