ACCESSIBILITY & EVACUATIONS A GETOUT PLAN


Oliver Greening, Show Director of LIFTEX 2026, organised by the Liſt and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), outlines what care home operators need to know about their fire safety and evacuation responsibilities under the Building Safety Act.


The government introduced the Building Safety Act 2022, followed shortly by the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Together, these measures aim to improve the safety of both new and existing buildings, ensuring that building services are designed, installed and maintained to the highest standards. They also have clear implications for how lifts are managed, placing responsibility on designated ‘responsible persons’ to ensure that liſts used for evacuation are properly maintained and fit for purpose.


While the legislation introduces additional requirements for higher-risk buildings, defined as those over 18 metres or seven storeys with at least two residential units, it also applies to lower- rise buildings where evacuation liſts are in place.


WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?


If you are responsible for the liſts within your building, you are considered a ‘duty holder’, which brings specific legal obligations relating to liſt safety and evacuation procedures. In practice, this means ensuring that all liſt systems supporting emergency procedures are regularly inspected and maintained, and that fire safety measures – particularly those relating to liſts and landing doors – are properly managed. It also includes overseeing and documenting all liſt-related work, inspections and modifications, reporting any safety incidents through the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) system, and maintaining accurate, up-to-date records as part of the building’s ‘Golden Thread’ of information.


CONSIDERATIONS FOR EVACUATION IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE


Evacuations in care homes present unique challenges, largely due to the varying mobility needs of residents. Particular attention must therefore be given to evacuation liſts, which require specific maintenance regimes and regular testing to ensure they remain operational and ready for use in an emergency at all times.


Fire compartmentation is another critical consideration, as liſt wells act as vertical fire compartments and must be kept clear of combustible materials, with fire-resistant elements such as landing doors properly maintained. In addition, every resident should have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) tailored to their individual needs, with these plans reviewed and updated on a regular basis.


NEXT STEPS


Taking a proactive approach is essential. Care home operators should review their liſt maintenance arrangements to ensure they are working with a competent contractor, keeping detailed records of all inspections and works carried out. Evacuation liſts should be checked regularly, liſt wells kept clear, and emergency communication systems tested to ensure reliability. It is also important to fully understand the function of each liſt within the building. Evacuation liſts are designed with specific protections and operating features, while other liſts may include fire recall systems to remove them from service during an incident. Liſts intended for firefighter use are distinct again and should be inspected accordingly.


Robust documentation is equally important. Operators should begin compiling a comprehensive Fire and Emergency File (FEF), ensuring that all maintenance activities, safety checks and staff training related to evacuation procedures are clearly recorded and easily accessible.


By taking these steps, care home operators can better protect residents while ensuring compliance with their legal obligations. These topics will be explored further as part of the free seminar programme at LIFTEX 2026, the UK’s only dedicated event for the liſt and escalator industry, where care home managers can access expert advice and connect with specialist suppliers.


www.liſtexshow.com


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www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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