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Lighting the way forward: What you need to know about BS 5266-1:2025
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Lighting the way forward: What you need to know about BS 5266-1:2025

Emergency lighting is one of the quiet heroes of building safety. Most of the time it goes unnoticed, but when it is needed, it provides clarity, reassurance, and direction. In workplaces, shopping centres, hospitals, and transport hubs, well-designed emergency lighting ensures that people can move safely, find exits, and remain calm even when the unexpected happens. The publication of BS 5266-1:2025 Emergency lighting. Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises, the revised British Standard for emergency lighting, is therefore an important step forward. The new edition does more than refresh guidance. It expands the scope of the standard, reflects advances in technology, and supports a more complete approach to safety in modern buildings. For those responsible for people and premises, this is an opportunity to improve resilience, demonstrate best practice, and strengthen confidence in the systems that protect us all. What is BS 5266-1:2025? BS 5266-1:2025 is the latest edition of the UK’s code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises. First developed decades ago, the standard has long provided guidance to ensure that systems meet the performance requirements necessary for safety. The 2025 revision reflects both changes in European standards and the practical experiences of professionals who design, install, and operate emergency lighting systems. The document is more than a set of technical instructions. It is a framework for best practice. It aims to promote a consistent approach across different categories of premises while accommodating variations in hazard levels and the familiarity of occupants with their environment. By following its recommendations, building owners, contractors, and regulators can achieve a higher degree of uniformity, reducing confusion and risk. Key changes in the BS 5266-1:2025 revision The most notable update in BS 5266-1:2025 is its expanded scope. In addition to emergency escape lighting, the traditional focus of previous editions, the new version now explicitly addresses local area lighting and standby lighting. Emergency escape lighting continues to cover the illumination needed to guide people to a safe exit during an emergency. Local area lighting provides illumination to specific points or tasks, ensuring people can safely complete vital activities in the event of power failure. Standby lighting is designed to allow normal activities to continue when the main power supply is lost. This broader view acknowledges the realities of modern building use. In many facilities, evacuation is not the only scenario to consider; sometimes, protecting occupants who remain in place or enabling continuity of essential operations is just as critical. The 2025 revision also aligns BS 5266-1 with changes in EN 1838 and EN 50172, the European standards that define lighting requirements. This alignment strengthens the UK’s consistency with international best practice while ensuring that local application remains clear and practical. Finally, the new edition places stronger emphasis on uniformity of application. The recommendations have been drawn up to encourage a consistent level of safety, regardless of building type, while still acknowledging differences in risk profile. Who should use BS 5266-1:2025? BS 5266-1:2025 is not just for lighting designers. It is relevant to a broad community of professionals and organizations, including: Local authorities and regulators, who need clear benchmarks for enforcement and compliance. Insurers and trade bodies, who rely on consistent standards to evaluate risk. Safety and fire professionals, who are responsible for safeguarding people in diverse environments. Engineers, contractors, and developers, who must incorporate emergency lighting into projects at every stage of design and construction. Responsible persons under UK fire safety legislation, who carry legal duties to ensure safe evacuation and occupant protection. Essentially, if a building has a public or communal aspect, from offices and retail premises to healthcare facilities and transport hubs, BS 5266-1:2025 provides the guidance needed to manage emergency lighting effectively. Looking to strengthen your approach even further? Browse our full portfolio of built environment standards - from fire safety and risk management to construction competence frameworks - and make sure your organization is meeting the latest best practice across every area of building safety. What are the benefits of adopting BS 5266-1:2025? Adopting the new standard delivers benefits beyond compliance. First and foremost, it enhances life safety, ensuring that people can leave a building safely or remain protected if evacuation is not possible. It also provides peace of mind for organizations, knowing that systems have been designed and installed according to current best practice. The standard also promotes efficiency and consistency. By following a common framework, contractors and designers can reduce misunderstandings, improve interoperability, and streamline maintenance. For multi-site organizations, this uniformity is especially valuable, enabling consistent levels of safety across a diverse portfolio. Finally, the adoption of BS 5266-1:2025 supports reputation and resilience. Organizations that can demonstrate alignment with the latest standards show stakeholders, from employees to regulators, that they take safety seriously. This not only reduces liability but also strengthens trust. Looking ahead in UK building safety The revision of BS 5266-1 is part of a broader trend in building safety: the move towards more comprehensive, integrated approaches. Just as fire detection, suppression, and evacuation strategies have become more sophisticated, so too must emergency lighting evolve. BS 5266-1:2025 represents a step forward in this journey. It recognizes that safety is not only about getting people out but also about supporting them if they must stay in, ensuring continuity of operations, and reducing the risk of panic. It places the UK at the forefront of best practice while aligning with international developments. By adopting the standard, you not only comply with regulations but also demonstrate a commitment to protecting people, reducing risk, and promoting trust. Whether you are a regulator, contractor, designer, or responsible person, the message is clear: now is the time to align with BS 5266-1:2025. Get your copy of BS 5266-1:2025 today.Read more
Defining competence: The role of BS 8674:2025 in modern fire risk assessment
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Defining competence: The role of BS 8674:2025 in modern fire risk assessment

The introduction of BS 8674:2025 marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of safety and competency within the built environment. Developed in alignment with regulatory reforms and increasing expectations on fire safety, BS 8674:2025 Built Environment – Framework for Competence of Individual Fire Risk Assessors – Code of Practice delivers a structured, transparent and verifiable framework for defining individual competence in fire risk assessment. Its importance extends across a spectrum of stakeholders, from individual practitioners to regulatory authorities and professional bodies, and it arrives at a time of significant cultural and legislative shift in how safety is managed within our buildings. Post-Grenfell landscape and regulatory reform The tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 served as a watershed moment for fire safety regulations in England and Wales. It exposed widespread inadequacies in the competence of those tasked with assessing and managing fire risk. In response, the Government introduced the Building Safety Act 2022. Though yet to be applied, a new requirement was created for building owners (Responsible Persons) to ensure that fire risk assessments are carried out by competent individuals. This new legislative environment led to the development of BS 8674:2025. Join us for an exclusive member event in London on 5 November. We'll explore the changing landscape of construction product regulations. Learn how upcoming reforms will affect UK businesses and gain practical guidance to ensure your organisation remains compliant, competitive, and ready for the future. Book your place here. Understanding the scope and purpose of BS 8674:2025 The standard provides recommendations for competence criteria that individual fire risk assessors are expected to meet to be deemed competent for conducting fire risk assessments in occupied buildings. It offers a common, consistent set of expectations that can be used by assessors, employers, certification bodies and regulators. Key features of BS 8674 include: Defines three competence levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced, offering a career pathway and measurable progression for assessors. Focuses on non-invasive assessments based on visual examination and relevant records. Aligns with the core framework outlined in BS 8670-1:2024, enabling consistency across the wider built environment competency framework.  This standard specifically addresses the competence of individuals, not organizations, and is limited to general fire risk assessments. It excludes competence relating to fire risk appraisals of external walls (FRAEWs), invasive inspections and fire engineering services. Visit our Built Environment industry page to explore the role of standards in shaping a safer, more resilient future. What the standard covers and what it doesn’t cover BS 8674:2025 defines what a fire risk assessor is expected to be able to do at each level of competence, including: Understand a building’s construction, use and occupancy. Evaluate fire risk through systematic analysis. Identify measures for fire prevention, protection and safety management. Interpret documentation, including prior reports and maintenance records. The three levels of competence outlined in the standard are: 1. Foundation: For assessors working in low-risk environments such as small offices or shops. 2. Intermediate: For those assessing medium complexity buildings, such as public venues or mid-rise residential properties. 3. Advanced: For highly experienced professionals working in complex, multi-occupancy environments, where advanced risk understanding is necessary (e.g., care homes, large residential blocks). This tiered structure is designed to prevent assessors from overstepping their capability and enables organizations to match the right level of expertise to the risk profile of the building. It’s also important to understand that BS 8674:2025 deliberately: does not prescribe how to perform a fire risk assessment; that is the domain of PAS 79-1 and BS 9792:2025. excludes assessments requiring destructive inspection, fire engineering, external wall analysis, and assessments in specialist environments (e.g. nuclear facilities). does not cover the design, testing or maintenance of fire protection systems. These exclusions enable BS 8674:2025 to remain a focused tool for individual competence, rather than a procedural guide. Who would benefit from using BS 8674:2025? 1. Fire Risk Assessors For practitioners, BS 8674:2025 is transformative. It provides: A structured competency framework they can use to demonstrate capability. A clear career progression route, from Foundation to Advanced. A benchmark to seek certification or professional recognition where such schemes are available. 2. Professional Bodies and Trade Associations BS 8674:2025 supports organizations in: Validating the competence of their members. Guiding membership criteria, CPD development and disciplinary procedures. Providing a reference standard for collaboration with regulators or insurers. 3. Certification Bodies This standard enables: Third-party verification schemes for individual assessors, improving public trust. Objective, consistent assessment of applications, audits and renewals. 4. Academic and Training Institutions The standard lays the groundwork for: Developing curricula and qualifications that reflect real-world competence needs. Creating practical training programmes aligned with industry expectations. Supporting learners to transition from education into professional roles with clarity and assurance. BS 8674:2025 in the context of broader reform This standard does not stand in isolation. It was developed by CPB/1, BSI’s technical committee for competence in the built environment, as part of a cohesive programme of standards supporting the Industry Competence Steering Group (ICSG) - formerly the Competence Steering Group (CSG). The standard reflects the recommendations of CSG Working Group 4, which specifically focused on fire risk assessors. It aligns with BS 8670-1:2024 and fits within a larger body of competence standards that aim to: Improve life safety outcomes. Create a more professionalized workforce. Enhance accountability across the building lifecycle. BS 8674:2025 thus becomes an essential instrument in realizing the aspirations of the Building a Safer Future report and the Hackitt Review. Help us create a competent built environment BS 8674:2025 fills a long-standing gap in the UK’s fire safety landscape. It provides the structured, scalable and transparent competence framework that fire risk assessors need. One that aligns with new legal duties under the  Building Safety Act 2022 and complements other standards such as PAS 79-1, BS 9792, PAS 9980 and BS 8670-1. This standard lays the foundation for a professional, recognized and accountable fire risk assessor community. Through measurable competence, we inch closer to a built environment where safety is not an aspiration, but a guarantee. Get your copy of BS 8674:2025 today.
A guide to the changes in fire alarm system standard BS 5839-1
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A guide to the changes in fire alarm system standard BS 5839-1

Effective fire detection and alarm systems play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property, ensuring early warning in the event of a fire. To keep pace with regulatory changes, technological advancements, and industry best practices, BS 5839-1:2025 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings Part 1: Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non domestic premises – Code of practice is the latest update to this widely recognized. This revision brings important improvements to system design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance, ensuring fire safety professionals have clear, practical, and up-to-date guidance. If you are responsible for fire safety, compliance, or system installation, understanding and implementing this standard is essential. Here’s what you need to know about BS 5839-1:2025, why it matters, and how it can benefit you. What is BS 5839-1 and why does it matter? BS 5839-1:2025 is a code of practice that provides comprehensive recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It ensures that systems are effective, reliable, and compliant with national building regulations. With previous editions referenced in Approved Document B, this standard plays a key role in fire safety compliance across commercial, public, and industrial buildings, helping to reduce risks and improve life safety measures. Discover more about how standards can help ensure fire safety by visiting our fire topic page. Why is BS 5839-1 an important standard? Fire safety is a legal, ethical, and operational responsibility for building owners, designers, and fire safety professionals. Non-compliant fire detection and alarm systems can result in increased risk to life, operational disruptions, and legal liabilities. BS 5839-1:2025 reflects the latest developments in fire alarm system technology and safety protocols, ensuring that fire detection measures are clear, effective, and aligned with modern building requirements. By following this standard, organizations can: Enhance fire protection measures with robust design and installation practices. Aids compliance with fire safety regulations and industry best practices. Improve occupant safety with clearer guidance on system modifications and alarm placement. Support system reliability by following structured commissioning and maintenance recommendations. Whether you are designing new fire alarm systems or upgrading existing ones, using BS 5839-1:2025 ensures that your systems meet the highest safety standards. Who should use BS 5839-1? This standard is essential for professionals involved in the specification, installation, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems, including: Fire safety consultants and engineers ensuring systems meet best practices. Fire alarm system designers and installers responsible for new system implementation. Facilities managers and building owners ensuring regulatory compliance. Health and safety officers managing workplace fire safety protocols. Regulatory authorities and insurers assessing fire safety measures in buildings. Whether you oversee fire safety in commercial, industrial, healthcare, or public buildings, this update ensures you are following the latest and most effective fire protection guidelines. Understanding the changes to BS 5839-1 The 2025 update introduces important improvements designed to enhance fire safety and streamline compliance. These changes reflect lessons learned from fire incidents and evolving best practices, ensuring that fire detection and alarm systems are more reliable, efficient, and effective. Some of the most significant updates include: 1. New section on fire alarm system modifications Clearer guidance on how to extend and upgrade existing fire alarm systems. 2. Tighter controls on variations Certain deviations from the standard are now explicitly restricted to prevent unsafe practices. 3. Improved manual call point placement guidance Simpler and clearer recommendations to optimize fire alarm system usability and efficiency. 4. Enhanced fire detection guidance for sleeping areas Preference for automatic fire detection over heat detectors, improving occupant safety in environments such as hotels, care homes, and student accommodation. 5. Restructured and clarified content The document has been revised to make it easier to understand, navigate, and apply in real-world scenarios. Another important fire safety standard – BS 9991 - has also been revised. You can learn more by reading the article BS 9991: A comprehensive update to the UK’s essential fire safety standard. How BS 5839-1 helps you stay fire safety compliant Fire safety regulations are constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial to ensuring compliance and reducing risk. BS 5839-1:2025 supports compliance with UK fire safety laws, providing clear, practical guidance on how to implement fire detection systems that meet the latest safety standards. By following BS 5839-1:2025, you can: Meet legal fire safety recommendations with up-to-date compliance guidance, stay abreast with the changing fire safety landscape with up-to-date compliance guidance. Reduce fire risks by implementing best-practice alarm system designs. Improve installation efficiency with clearer siting and modification rules. Enhance occupant safety with updated fire detection and alarm system recommendations. Whether you’re working on new system installations or upgrading existing fire alarms, this standard ensures best practices are followed for maximum fire protection. Stay compliant, informed, and prepared by getting your copy of BS 5839-1:2025 today.
BS 9991: A comprehensive update to the UK’s essential fire safety standard
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BS 9991: A comprehensive update to the UK’s essential fire safety standard

The latest revision of BS 9991 - the UK's key fire safety standard for residential buildings - represents a critical advancement in fire safety regulation.  As fire safety concerns have evolved, the new edition incorporates essential updates designed to enhance safety in the design, management, and use of residential buildings.  Here, we’ll explore the significance of the upcoming BS 9991:2024 Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings - Code of practice, the key changes being introduced, and why adopting this standard is vital for anyone involved in residential building safety. Get your copy of the standard here. What is BS 9991? BS 9991 is a code of practice standard that offers comprehensive guidance and recommendations for ensuring fire safety in residential buildings. First introduced as a British Standard in 2011, it serves as a primary reference for achieving fire protection measures, safeguarding lives, and minimizing property damage in the event of a fire. It covers a wide range of building types, from apartment blocks and flats to residential care homes. The objective of the standard is twofold: To ensure an adequate standard of life safety in the event of a fire, focusing on occupant safety, firefighter safety, and the protection of emergency services. To offer property protection, safeguarding not only the building in question but also adjacent properties, businesses, and the environment. BS 9991 bridges the gaps between different regulatory frameworks in the UK, providing a unified approach to fire safety that can be applied nationally. Explore our library of fire-related standards and the benefits they can bring to your organization by visiting our Fire topic page.  What are the key changes in BS 9991:2024? The upcoming  2024 revision brings significant updates.  These reflect the increasing complexity of modern building designs and the evolving knowledge of fire behaviour, materials, and fire safety systems.  The key changes include: Expanded scope: BS 9991 now covers residential care homes, recognizing the unique evacuation needs and fire safety challenges unique to those properties.  Explicit exclusions on timber have been removed: The scope of the standard has been limited in terms of reaction-to-fire classifications of load-bearing elements of structure to better reflect the available evidence regarding the use of mass timber in medium and high residential buildings. Revised guidance for sprinklers and single-stair buildings: Updates include a new height limit for single-stair buildings and adjustments to sprinkler installation guidelines. European classifications for fire doors: National fire door classifications have been replaced with European classifications to ensure consistency and reliability in fire resistance. Enhanced recommendations for smoke control and evacuation lifts: Improved provisions for smoke control systems and detailed recommendations for evacuation lifts, making tall buildings safer in fire emergencies. Updates on ancillary areas, kitchens, and external wall systems: The recommendations for these areas have been revised to account for the latest safety practices. The 2024 edition offers a robust framework for fire safety in residential buildings, accommodating advancements in building technology while maintaining practicality. For more detailed information on BS 9991:2024, you can download the free executive briefing here. What are the benefits of the revised BS 9991:2024? BS 9991:2024 provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date recommendations for fire safety in residential buildings, ensuring the highest level of protection for both occupants and the building itself.  The revised standard addresses the complexities of modern building design, including mixed-use and high-rise structures, offering solutions for even the most challenging fire safety scenarios.  The 2024 edition integrates the latest advancements in fire safety knowledge, providing a future-proof approach to the design and management of residential buildings. Who should use BS 9991:2024 and why?  BS 9991:2024 is essential for a wide range of professionals involved in the design of new buildings, as well as material alterations, extensions, and changes of use to existing buildings. Users of the standard include:  Designers and Architects: BS 9991 offers a clear and authoritative guide to integrating fire safety into the design process, ensuring that buildings are constructed with the latest fire safety technologies and methods. Fire Safety Engineers and Risk Assessors: The revised standard provides detailed guidance on fire safety risk assessments and offers updated methodologies to tackle emerging fire safety challenges. Building Owners and Managers: Following BS 9991 helps maintain legal compliance, reduce liability, and ensure the protection of residents and properties in the event of a fire. Fire and Rescue Services: BS 9991 helps fire services by providing standardized design and operational procedures that make firefighting and rescue operations more efficient and effective. Whether you are designing a new building or making material changes to an existing one, this standard provides the tools to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and to mitigate fire risks. Stay informed, stay up to date, and ensure your buildings meet the highest standards of fire safety. Get your copy of BS 9991:2024 today.

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