Definition
Higher-Risk Buildings
Higher-risk buildings (HRBs) are multi-occupied residential buildings that are 18 metres or more in height, or have at least 7 storeys, as defined by the Building Safety Act 2022. They are subject to the most stringent fire and building safety requirements in England, including registration with the Building Safety Regulator, appointment of a Principal Accountable Person, and compliance with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
Terms mentioned in this definition
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- Building Safety Act 2022Defines higher-risk buildings and the regulatory framework that applies to them
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022Imposes additional specific duties on responsible persons of multi-occupied residential buildings, including HRBs
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Remains the primary fire safety legislation during the occupation phase of all buildings including HRBs
Related Terms
- Building Safety Act 2022Fire Regulations & StandardsThe Building Safety Act 2022 is major UK legislation establishing a new regulatory framework for the design, construction, and occupation of higher-risk buildings — defined as residential buildings of 18 metres or more, or at least 7 storeys. It created the Building Safety Regulator, introduced the Principal Accountable Person role, and significantly strengthened legal obligations around fire and structural safety in high-rise residential buildings.View definition
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022Fire Regulations & StandardsThe Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 are secondary legislation under the Fire Safety Act 2021, introducing additional fire safety duties for responsible persons of multi-occupied residential buildings in England from January 2023. Requirements include quarterly inspections of communal fire doors, provision of fire safety instructions to residents, and — for buildings above 18 metres — installation of an evacuation alert system and a building information box for the fire service.View definition
- Waking WatchGeneral Fire SafetyA waking watch is a temporary fire safety measure involving trained personnel patrolling a building continuously to detect fire and alert residents — typically imposed on multi-occupied residential buildings where cladding or passive fire protection defects pose an unacceptable life risk. It is an interim measure pending permanent remediation and can be replaced by a common fire alarm system once BS 5839-1 compliance is confirmed.View definition
- Evacuation Alert SystemGeneral Fire SafetyAn evacuation alert system (EAS) is an electronic system installed in higher-risk residential buildings that enables the fire and rescue service to issue targeted floor-by-floor evacuation alerts, directing residents to evacuate when the stay-put strategy is no longer safe. Required under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 for all residential buildings above 18 metres, EAS must comply with BS 8629 and be regularly tested and maintained.View definition
- Fire Risk AssessmentFire Risk AssessmentA fire risk assessment is a systematic examination of a premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and implement or recommend appropriate fire safety measures. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, carried out by a competent person and reviewed regularly — or whenever significant changes occur.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
Higher-risk buildings (HRBs) are multi-occupied residential buildings that are 18 metres or more in height, or have at least 7 storeys, as defined by the Building Safety Act 2022. They are subject to the most stringent fire and building safety requirements in England, including registration with the Building Safety Regulator, appointment of a Principal Accountable Person, and compliance with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
Requirements for higher-risk buildings in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Higher-Risk Buildings and Building Safety Act 2022 are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to higher-risk buildings. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.