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
Supporting safe use of public transport
As part of the easing of lock down restrictions, people may now use public transport in England for any journey, although they are still being encouraged to consider alternative means of transport where possible. Face coverings are mandatory on public transport in...
Building Regulations Update: Approved Document M Changes
The guidance Approved Document M (access to and use of buildings), volume two, 2015 has been amended following a consultation the provision of Changing Places toilets on the 12 May 2019 which ran for a period of 10 weeks, ending on 22 July 2019, but was then reopened...
New HSE guidance on disinfecting premises
The HSE has published new guide guidance on Disinfecting premises using fog, mist, vapour or ultraviolet (UV) systems during the coronavirus outbreak. If you choose to use fog, mist, vapour or UV treatments as a way of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, discuss your...