Guidance for Responsible Persons
The Responsible Person for these buildings must:
- Identify residents who need PEEPs.
- Complete a person-centred Fire Risk Assessment if agreed by the resident.
- Create an agreed Emergency Evacuation Statement of what the resident should do in the event of a fire.
- Provide information to the local fire and rescue service to help with an operational response and where the need is for assistance in evacuation.
- Ensure this information is available as a hard copy in the building’s Secure Information Box
The above must only be done with the resident’s permission.
Which buildings are covered?
The new duties apply to residential buildings in England that are:
- 18 metres or 7 storeys above ground level or higher, or
- Over 11 metres above ground level where a simultaneous evacuation strategy is in place (meaning everyone should leave the building if there is a fire, even if you are not directly affected by the smoke from the fire)
If you are unsure whether your building is included, your building owner or manager will be able to tell you.
Who is a “relevant resident”?
A relevant resident is someone who:
1. Lives in the building as their only or main home, and
2. Has a physical or cognitive impairment or condition that means they may be unable to leave the building without help during a fire.
Examples might include:
- Reduced mobility
- Hearing or sight impairments
- Long-term health conditions
- Cognitive conditions affecting awareness or decision making
A resident can appoint a representative or trusted person to act on their behalf if needed. Further information can be found in the Government’s guidance for Responsible Persons, found here.
You can find out more by reading the Residential PEEPs: Guidance for Responsible Persons on GOV.UK.
This page provides general information and should not be taken as legal advice.