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
FIS Supports the Opening of The Skills Centre Essex
FIS was proud to attend the official opening of The Skills Centre Essex in Horndon Industrial Estate, Brentwood, on Friday 10 October, a significant milestone in strengthening skills development across the construction sector. The new Essex facility marks the 10th...
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: What It Means for the Finishes and Interiors Sector
From 6 April 2026, HMRC’s new Making Tax Digital for Income Tax service will come into effect, marking a major change in how self-employed individuals, including many working within the finishes and interiors sector, manage their tax. The move is part of HMRC’s plan...
Migration Advisory Committee Review of the Temporary Shortage List
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published the first stage of its review of the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), which sets out occupations that may qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa under the recent changes to the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System. With...