Research and analysis

Fire safety: Specialised housing and care homes

Research into whether design guidance addresses the fire safety needs of retirement housing, supported housing, housing with care and nursing homes.

• From: Health and Safety Executive
• Published: 22 December 2025

Applies to England

Documents

Fire safety: Specialised housing and care homes (executive summary)

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Fire safety: Specialised housing and care homes (full report)

PDF, 19.4 MB, 168 pages

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Details

The research examines the range of specialised housing and care home typologies in England and whether Approved Document B (fire safety) provides adequate guidance on fire safety for each. 

 The researchers reviewed:  

• sector-specific guidance, considering its evidence base and effectiveness 
• existing buildings to understand how different design approaches can affect the fire strategy and the use of fire-engineered solutions. 
• international regulations to ascertain best practice from a selection of other countries 
• how mitigating provisions affect fire safety risk across specialised housing typologies
• the benefits of protected storage for mobility scooters

Background

The government commissioned the research as part of a technical review of Approved Document B (fire safety).  

PRP Architects carried out the work, and the findings and recommendations do not represent government policy.

Published 22 December 2025