The Government has published a document listing amendments to Volumes 1 and 2 of Approved Document B which will come into effect in September 2026.
These amendments principally concern:
- Threshold for the provision of a second staircase in blocks of flats with a storey 18m or more in height.
- Evacuation shafts are introduced to support the provision of evacuation lifts.
- Changes to provisions for fire doorsets.
- New terminology including definitions for evacuation shaft, evacuation lift lobby, interlocked stair and storey exit.
- Provisions for horizontal escape and vertical escape separated as per the structure of Volume 2.
The 2019 edition incorporating the 2020 and 2022 amendments will continue to apply where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or a building control approval application with full plans made to, the relevant authority before 30 September 2026 and either the building work to which it relates:
- has started and is sufficiently progressed before that day; or
- is started and is sufficiently progressed within the period of 18 months beginning on that day
You can view the amendments at the link below:
Fire safety: Approved Document B
FIS will publish further detailed guidance on these changes in the coming months.
See more news likes this
Independent review of the construction product testing regime
Last week saw the publication of The Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime which was announced by government in April 2021 and was led by Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day KC. The purpose of the Review was to to identify any potential...
FIS calls for payment and retention overhaul
FIS had today responded to the Amendments to the Payment Practices and Performance Regulations consultaton calling for an overhaul that will better support SMEs in the sector. The FIS response draws on recent research conducted by the University of Reading into...
Building Safety Act – defining Higher Risk Buildings
Building Safety Act FAQ: Are Hotels, Hospitals and Student Accommodation regarded as Higher Risk Buildings according to the New Building Safety Act? According to the Building Safety Act the definition of Higher Risk Building is: “At least 18 metres in height or at...