Does my building need Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)?

With so many changes coming in for British fire testing standards, there’s lots to consider about your building safety. One of the most important aspects is managing how everyone can leave the building safely in an emergency, especially anyone requiring additional support.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are designed to ensure people with disabilities or mobility impairments can get out of the premises safely and effectively. But do all buildings need PEEPs? And are they a legal requirement under the latest fire safety regulations?

Here are some key facts to know.

What is a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP)?

A PEEP is a ‘personal emergency evacuation plan’ – a bespoke strategy written for an individual who may need assistance to evacuate a building in an emergency situation, like a fire. It sets out the specific steps, equipment and support they’ll need to reach a place of safety.

For example, it may cover details of evacuation chairs, designated helpers, safe refuge points or visual alarm systems. Unlike a general evacuation plan for all building occupants, PEEPs are tailored to an individual’s needs to ensure no one is left behind.

Have the rules changed for PEEPs in the new fire safety regulations?

PEEPs for vulnerable residents in high-rise residential buildings are set to become mandatory in April 2026, moving to a person-centred approach. After the tragic events of Grenfell Tower, it highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable residents during fire evacuations. Since then, UK fire safety laws have been under review, particularly around PEEPs.

The latest Fire Safety (England) Regulations cover the responsibilities for high-rise residential buildings. This includes requirements for building owners and managers to provide key safety information to residents and fire services.

Full legal changes are under consideration. However, the current emphasis is clear. Building owners and responsible persons must consider the evacuation needs of ALL occupants in their ongoing fire risk assessments.

Who needs to have a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP)?

A PEEP is needed for any individual who could struggle to leave a building unaided during an emergency. This includes wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility (e.g., elderly residents), individuals with hearing or visual impairments, and people with cognitive impairments who may need guidance during an evacuation. Somewhere like a care home may need a PEEP for each resident.

In workplaces, employers must identify employees who may need support and create a tailored PEEP for them. In residential buildings, landlords or managing agents should be aware of residents who may need additional help, taking this into account during risk assessments.

Are PEEPs a legal requirement?

Under the Equality Act, employers and service providers must not discriminate against disabled people and must make reasonable adjustments to ensure safe access and use of premises. This means workplaces, public buildings and many residential properties need to have suitable evacuation strategies in place.

For high-rise residential buildings over 18 metres in height or have at least seven storeys, specific PEEP regulations should come into force in spring 2026. Building owners, landlords and property managers (Responsible Persons) will have new legal duties to prepare and implement PEEPs for those who need them.

Need help with building fire safety compliance? Contact MD Fire

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