Fire Safety – Approved Document B amendments and updated PAS now in force, with further changes proposed.

The changes introduce a recommendation for blocks of flats with a storey 18m or more in height to provide more than one common stair. They also include new building design provisions, such as the use of evacuation lifts and requirements for buildings where evacuation lifts are provided. In addition, the guidance covers routes to alternative stairs and sets a minimum clear common stair width of 1,100mm for blocks with a storey at 18m or above.

An updated PAS 9980: Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats. The code of practice was published on 30^th September and is now in effect. This 2026 revision clarifies aspects of the methodology, streamlines content and reflects industry developments to help ensure the PAS remains relevant and aligned with current good practice.

The Proposals to amend ADB are:

1. undertake small but important clarifications and technical changes to the guidance within Approved Document B 
2. consolidate guidance for designing building work on existing buildings 
3. introduce a threshold whereby the guidance within Approved Document B should not be applied when combustible elements of structure are used 
4. revise and update guidance on external wall systems and balconies and review the scope of the ban on combustible materials in and on external walls 
5. recommend the provision of evacuation lifts in residential buildings above 18m and clarify the guidance for non-residential buildings 
6. update terminology on 'sheltered housing', introducing the new term 'specialised housing' in its place and include provisions for alarm coverage in these building types to be a minimum of Category LD1.  
7. introduce updated guidance on roofs, including new provisions for the incorporation of photovoltaic (PV) panels  
8. increase in the fire resistance rating of open-sided car parks