December 2024 saw the publication of the biggest change in lift assisted building evacuation guidance for many years. Previously, evacuation lifts had been considered under a limited definition in BS9999:2008 code of practice for the design management and use of buildings. A standard for the design of evacuation lifts (EN81-76) has been under development now for many years, but is yet to be published, hopefully due soon.

The latest British Standard BS9991:2024, building on the previous BS9999:2008, outlines fire safety requirements for residential buildings. This article provides an overview of the key changes and updates, with a focus on evacuation lifts and what I feel are the most relevant and significant points. I urge anyone working in the field of fire safety, firefighters or evacuation lifts to obtain a copy of the standard and digest it for themselves. This article provides a flavour of evacuation lift requirements but does not replace a thorough and in depth understanding of the standard.

Prior to the publication of BS9991:2024 evacuation lifts were never mandated by guidance for compliance with Building Regulations in any building in the UK, it was always a design choice. So, this new document is a major shift in that evacuation lifts are now seen as essential for life safety in certain circumstances.