FIRE SAFETY: A significant review of Approved Doc B…

This will include collaboration with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)

Scope of the consultation

Proposals to amend Approved Document B to:  

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 

Download the documents below to read more:

 Fire Safety: Approved Document B - Volume 1

 Fire Safety: Approved Document B - Volume 2