The revised Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 05-01: Managing Healthcare Fire Safety has now been released, providing essential national guidance for managing fire safety across healthcare environments.
This updated memorandum represents a significant step forward in strengthening fire safety management systems across the NHS and the wider healthcare estate.
What is HTM 05-01?
HTM 05-01 sets out the core principles for managing fire safety in healthcare premises in England. It provides strategic and operational guidance to ensure that fire safety arrangements are robust, consistent, and effective, protecting patients, staff, visitors, and property.
Healthcare settings present unique fire safety challenges. Patients may have limited mobility, evacuation can be complex, and buildings often operate continuously. HTM 05-01 plays a critical role in helping duty holders navigate these complexities while maintaining compliance with fire safety legislation.
Why the update matters.
As highlighted by Mazin Daoud, Head of Fire Safety at NHS England, during our recent NHS Estates Fire Safety Forum, the revised HTM supports healthcare organisations in:
- Strengthening fire safety management systems
- Improving risk control measures
- Clarifying roles and responsibilities
- Promoting consistent fire safety standards across the estate
- Creating safer environments for patients, staff and the public
The updated guidance reinforces the importance of a structured, system-led approach to fire safety, ensuring that governance, accountability, and operational procedures are aligned.
Supporting safer healthcare environments.
For estates teams, fire safety managers, and responsible persons, the new HTM 05-01 provides clearer direction on best practice and regulatory compliance. It underpins the NHS’s commitment to delivering safe, resilient healthcare facilities and supports the wider system in achieving consistent, high-quality fire safety standards.
At Specialist Door Solutions, we understand the vital role that compliant, properly maintained fire doors play within an effective fire safety strategy. Fire compartmentation is fundamental to protecting patients, particularly in environments where progressive horizontal evacuation is required.
The updated HTM reinforces the need for rigorous inspection, maintenance, and management of passive fire protection systems, including fire-resisting doorsets.
Access the updated guidance.
Healthcare professionals and estates teams can access the revised HTM 05-01 directly here.
If you would like to discuss how your organisation can strengthen its fire door compliance and support your wider fire safety management strategy, our team at Specialist Door Solutions is here to help.
