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
Have your say on net zero carbon
The UK Government is legally bound to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, which means we will need to change how we build. It includes the retrofit of energy efficiency methods to existing buildings. But how can you and your business benefit? Government is working...
COVID-19 reinforces urgency for new approach to prioritise and deliver Scotland’s infrastructure
An inclusive, net zero carbon economy remains at heart of the strategy KEY RECOMMENDATIONS • Giving an independent, specialist body the remit to provide strategic, long-term infrastructure advice to Scottish Government• Enshrining the Place Principle and implementing...
New Guidance on Face Coverings and status across the UK
As new mandatory requirements come in, Government has provided a summary of Face Covering requirements. FIS has been advised that Site Operating Procedures do not need to change, but we urge members to review their requirements against our guidance and to consider...