Thousands of high-rise residents left unprotected by missing fire safety plans

One-third of required plans still missing across England

New analysis by FASTSIGNS has reported that many high-rise buildings in England are still not meeting legal requirements under fire safety regulations, with a third of key documentation still outstanding.

According to data sourced by FASTSIGNS from 24 fire and rescue services through Freedom of Information requests, an average of 32 per cent of building plans and 31 per cent of external wall plans for high-rise residential buildings remain unsubmitted.

These documents are required under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which came into force on 23 January 2023 following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.

The regulation mandates that responsible persons for high-rise residential buildings of 7 storeys or more must provide up-to-date building and external wall plans to their local fire service.

FASTSIGNS stated that the lack of these plans limits fire services’ ability to prepare for emergencies and obstructs residents’ access to clear exit signage during incidents.

Regional differences in plan submissions

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded the highest submission rates, receiving 157 per cent of required building plans and 164 per cent of wall plans for its 42 high-rise buildings.

According to FASTSIGNS, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service ranked second, reporting submission rates of 108 per cent for building plans and 118 per cent for wall plans.

Oxfordshire, Derbyshire, North Yorkshire and Shropshire all reported 100 per cent submissions across both categories.

In contrast, Avon Fire and Rescue Service reported the lowest building plan submissions at just 10 per cent across its 239 high-rise buildings.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service received the lowest number of wall plans, with only 22 per cent submitted for its 65 qualifying buildings.

FASTSIGNS stated that the national average across the 24 services surveyed stood at 68 per cent for building plans and 69 per cent for external wall plans.

Fire safety regulation introduced following Grenfell Tower fire

The regulation requiring up-to-date signage and safety documentation was introduced following recommendations made in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in July 2017.

Emergency services responding to the incident reported difficulty navigating the building due to the absence of clear signage and building information.

FASTSIGNS explained that the regulation is intended to enable fire services to develop response strategies in advance and support safe evacuation routes for residents.

The company added that certified signage, combined with clear building plans, plays a central role in fire safety preparation for high-rise residential buildings.

John Davies, managing director of FASTSIGNS UK, said: “The tragedy of Grenfell highlighted just how critical clear signage, proper planning and up-to-date safety measures are in ensuring control during an emergency.

“In the case of fire safety, certified and easily visible signage is essential for guiding both residents and emergency response teams through high-rise buildings when an incident occurs, helping to avoid confusion and save lives.

“Our latest research shows that while progress is being made, there are still some challenges to overcome.

“For example, on average, around a third of building plans remain incomplete and audit frequencies can be inconsistent.

“While it’s encouraging to see increased focus on regular, defined checks before and during the construction of high-rise residential buildings, it’s equally important to ensure these checks continue throughout the building’s lifespan.

“We’re continuing to work closely with our customers across England, ensuring that buildings meet the evolving fire safety requirements to safeguard everyone involved.”

Audit and inspection practices vary across fire services

FASTSIGNS also reported that 50 per cent of fire services surveyed confirmed they conduct audits of high-rise buildings, though timeframes and approaches varied.

The company stated that some services conduct annual inspections, while others work on a rolling four-year cycle or base their audits on local risk assessments.

According to the research, there is no consistent national standard for inspection frequency, with practices differing between fire authorities.

Some fire services referenced the use of national guidance to determine inspection schedules, while others described localised or reactive methods.

FASTSIGNSconcluded that the variability in audit procedures could affect how effectively fire safety is maintained over time in different regions.

Industry response calls for improved training

Nicola John, managing director of FDM (Fire Door Maintenance) – Training and Development, commented on the findings of the research.

John said: “This research highlights just how much work still needs to be done to ensure our high-rise buildings are truly safe.

“At FDM – Training and Development, we believe safeguarding lives starts with empowering those responsible, which is why we deliver training for the industry, by the industry, across every level of the supply chain.

“Everyone involved, from manufacturers and installers, to responsible persons, needs the knowledge and confidence to meet their legal duties and protect the people living in these buildings.”

Incomplete fire safety plans hinder UK fire services: Summary

FASTSIGNS has reported that fire services in England are still missing one-third of building and wall plans required by updated fire safety regulations.

The data was sourced through Freedom of Information requests to 24 fire and rescue services across England.

Staffordshire reported the highest submission rates, with over 150 per cent of both building and wall plans received.

Avon and Bedfordshire reported the lowest submission rates, with just 10 per cent and 22 per cent received respectively.

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require these documents to be submitted for high-rise residential buildings of 7 storeys or more.

The regulation was introduced following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.

The aim is to improve emergency response readiness and resident evacuation through signage and plan availability.

Audit practices also differ across fire services, with 50 per cent confirming inspections but offering varied timelines.

FASTSIGNS stated that inconsistent audit frequency may impact fire safety compliance.

The company highlighted the role of signage and planning in supporting emergency services and residents.

FDM said industry training is essential to help responsible persons meet legal obligations.