High-rise fire safety compliance checklist

Verify:

• Box installed near main entrance or firefighter access point
• Uses Gerda key lock (or your local FRS standard)
• Contains hard copy floor plans for every floor
• Contains building orientation plan
• Contains your name and 24/7 UK contact details
• Information is current and dated

Verify:

• Floor plans exist for every floor
• Plans show layout, fire safety equipment, escape routes, and firefighting equipment
• Building orientation plan prepared (single page showing overall layout)
• Electronic copies submitted to local Fire and Rescue Authority
• Plans updated after any building changes

Verify:

• Floor number visible on every floor (lift lobbies and stairwells)
• Each stairwell has unique identifier (e.g., Stairwell A, Stairwell B)
• Signs are photoluminescent (glow in dark)
• Signs positioned at eye level (1.4-1.7m)
• Signs not faded, damaged, or obscured
• Stairwell identifiers match floor plan labels

Verify:

• Last quarterly inspection of communal doors within past 3 months
• Last annual inspection of flat entrance doors within past 12 months
• Inspection records complete (date, inspector, findings, remedial actions)
• Any defects identified have been remediated
• Self-closers working on all fire doors
• Intumescent strips and smoke seals intact

Verify (where installed):

• Firefighting lift checked this month (firefighting mode, communication, recall)
• Evacuation lift checked this month (operation, communication, power)
• Automatic door release mechanisms checked (doors release and close on alarm)
• Evacuation alert system checked (audible throughout building)
• Records kept with date, inspector name, findings, and actions

Verify:

• External wall materials documented (cladding, insulation, fixings)
• Wall system design recorded (construction methodology, layers)
• Fire safety features documented (cavity barriers, fire stopping)
• Information provided to Fire and Rescue Authority
• Records updated after any external wall alterations
• Ready to provide to residents on request (buildings 18m+)

Verify:

• All residents have received fire safety information
• Information explains the evacuation strategy (stay put or simultaneous)
• Information explains what to do if fire discovered or alarm sounds
• Information explains fire door importance and why they must stay closed
• Your contact details included for reporting concerns
• Information in accessible formats for all residents
• New residents receive information on move-in

Verify:

• Fire risk assessment is written and dated
• Assessment explicitly covers external walls (including cladding, balconies)
• Assessment covers flat entrance doors opening onto common parts
• Assessment reviewed regularly, and after any significant change
• Significant findings recorded and actioned
• Assessor was competent (consider BAFE SP205 certification for complex buildings)

Key inspection frequencies

Records to maintain

Fire and Rescue Authority inspectors will ask to see:

• Fire risk assessment (written, dated, signed)
• Fire door inspection records (quarterly communal, annual flat doors)
• Monthly lift and equipment check records
• External wall information records
• Proof of resident information distribution
• Evidence of floor plans submitted to FRA
• Any remedial work completion records

Detailed guidance