FIRE SAFETY – APPROVED DOCUMENT B, 2006 EDITION
VOLUMES 1 & 2

New Building Regulations in respect of Fire Safety were introduced on 6th April 2007, and new Approved Documents published providing guidance on meeting these requirements.

Whereas before the guidance was contained within one document, from April there are two volumes of Approved Document B;

Volume 1 – Dwellinghouses, and
Volume 2 - Buildings other than dwellinghouses

It is considered that this will simplify the guidance for those who generally deal only with houses (new build, alterations, extensions, loft conversions etc.).

The Approved Documents contain relatively few major revisions, and these are very practical, with additional advice being given on alternative ways of satisfying certain requirements.

Below is a brief summary of the most important changes for your information. It is not intended to be a complete guide, and for more detail you should of course refer to the relevant document.

If you have a particular query regarding this new legislation, please contact the area Building Control Surveyor who will be pleased to be able to offer assistance.

Dwelling Houses and flats require fire detection and alarm to BS 5839 part 6:2004. Simple guidance provided and additional detector required to kitchen in open plan arrangements. In addition, AFD required to the existing dwelling when building an extension.

Guidance for loft conversions has been changed – protected route now required, no requirement for an escape window

Guidance included for galleries

Option to provide sprinkler protection rather than alternative means of escape for 4 storey dwellings and maisonettes.

Access for fire service required to within 45m of all points within a dwelling (house or flat)

Self-closing devices not now required to dwellings or within flats, other than to doors to integral garages

Requirement introduced to record Fire Safety Information and pass on to the “responsible person” where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order applies

HTM 05 Firecode should be used for health care premises

BB100 should be used for schools

Provisions for smoke control in common areas of flats has been changed

Guidance for small commercial premises included

New guidance introduced on the design of residential care homes

Guidance on means of escape for disabled persons provided, including the need to provide warning for people with impaired hearing and the provision of Emergency Voice Communication systems to refuges.

Requirement to provide private fire hydrants in certain situations



Page last updated on: 30/03/2009