FOI Request 2082

Subject: Building and Wall Plans and High-Rise Buildings

Status: Complete

Date received: November 2024

Question Asked:

1. How many up-to-date building and wall plans have you received since October 2023, in your jurisdiction?

2. It is a legal requirement by the Government that wayfinding signage be installed and updated in high-rise buildings. Whose responsibility is it to ‘safeguard’ this, and what processes (if any) are in place to ensure these requirements are met?

3. How many high-rise buildings are served by you, in your jurisdiction?

Our Response:

1. How many up-to-date building and wall plans have you received since October 2023, in your jurisdiction?

We have received information on 19 external wall systems since October 2023. In addition to the external wall information, we have received 25 floor plans and 14 building plans.

2. It is a legal requirement by the Government that wayfinding signage be installed and updated in high-rise buildings. Whose responsibility is it to ‘safeguard’ this, and what processes (if any) are in place to ensure these requirements are met?

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 made it a legal requirement for Responsible Persons to install wayfinding signage in their high-rise buildings. All of the high-rise buildings in Cheshire have been prioritised as part of our Risk Based Inspection Programme. We audit against the requirements of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations which includes assessing whether wayfinding signage has been installed within high-rise buildings. Where deficiencies are identified, then these will be enforced under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

3. How many high-rise buildings are served by you, in your jurisdiction?

Cheshire Fire Authority enforce the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in Cheshire, in which there are 28 high-rise residential buildings.

Outcome: Information Provided

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO