A critical review of how evacuation lifts are being designed and implemented under BS 9999. Are they meeting the needs of disabled residents and the fire service in practice?. Evacuation Lifts: Reviewing BS 9999 Annex G Application in 2026 The landscape of fire safety in the UK has undergone significant transformation, particularly in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. A central pillar of this evolution is the increasing emphasis on inclusive design for means of escape, with evacuation lifts emerging as a critical, yet often complex, component. As we approach 2026, a comprehensive review of how BS 9999 Annex G, which provides guidance on evacuation lifts, is being applied in practice reveals a mixed picture. While the intent is clear – to provide safe and dignified egress for all building occupants, especially those with mobility impairments – the real world implementation often grapples with challenges ranging from design specification to ongoing maintenance and operational readiness. This article delves into the current state of evacuation lift provision, examining whether they are truly meeting the needs of disabled residents and the fire service, and what the future holds for their effective integration into fire safety strategies. Background The concept of evacuation lifts gained prominence as a direct response to the limitations of traditional stair based escape routes for individuals unable to use stairs unassisted. Prior to detailed guidance, the reliance on ‘refuge areas’ and subsequent rescue by fire and rescue services (FRS) was often the primary strategy, a method increasingly recognised as insufficient for large, complex, or high rise buildings. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005) places a clear duty on responsible persons to ensure the safety of all relevant persons, implicitly including those with disabilities. BS 9999:2017, Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings – Code of practice , provides comprehensive guidance on fire safety, and Annex G specifically addresses the design and management of evacuation lifts. This annex outlines critical requirements for their construction, power supply, control systems, fire resistance, and communication facilities, aiming to ensure their reliability and safe operation during a fire incident. The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) further reinforces the imperative for robust fire safety measures, particularly in higher risk buildings (HRBs), where the safety of vulnerable occupants is paramount. The Act's focus on demonstrable safety and accountability, coupled with the establishment of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), means that the performance of critical safety systems like evacuation lifts is under unprecedented scrutiny. Key Developments Since the widespread adoption of BS 9999 Annex G, several key developments have shaped the application and understanding of evacuation lifts. The most significant is the increasing expectation from the BSR for clear, auditable evidence of safety, particularly through the Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 processes for HRBs. This necessitates a detailed understanding of how evacuation lifts contribute to the overall fire strategy and how their performance is assured throughout the building's lifecycle. The advent of PAS 9980:2022, Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice , while primarily focused on external walls, has indirectly highlighted the interconnectedness of all fire safety systems. A robust fire strategy, whether for new builds or existing structures undergoing remediation, must consider the holistic performance of all components, including evacuation lifts. Another critical development has been the growing recognition of the operational challenges faced by the FRS. While evacuation lifts are designed to be used by trained personnel (often the FRS), their effective deployment depends on clear procedures, reliable equipment, and adequate training. Incidents have highlighted issues with lift familiarisation, access control, and the seamless handover of responsibility during an emergency. Furthermore, the design of Accessible Dwelling Baselines (ADB) and the broader push for inclusive design have placed greater emphasis on ensuring that evacuation strategies are truly accessible. This extends beyond simply providing a lift to considering the entire journey, from the dwelling to a place of ultimate safety, encompassing clear wayfinding, accessible refuge areas, and appropriate communication systems. Regulatory Implications The BSA 2022 and the RRO 2005 form the bedrock of regulatory oversight for evacuation lifts. For HRBs, the BSR's Gateway 2 and 3 processes demand that the design and construction of evacuation lifts are rigorously justified and verified. This includes detailed fire engineering analysis, demonstrating compliance with BS 9999 Annex G and integrating the lift's operation into the overarch