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
CITB Employer Forums
The new CITB Advisor role has been in place since the beginning of April and colleagues in these new roles are working hard with employers through Training Groups, Advisory Forums, Federations and other groups to help ensure they achieve the right skills for our...
HR and Health & Safety Business Briefings
Our members are invited to attend a Citation Business Briefing, various dates in August and September are available at venues across England and Northern Ireland. Join expert consultants who will discuss the latest HR and Health & Safety updates and advice to...
Measuring Plasterboard Waste in the Finishes and Interiors Sector
The Plasterboard Resource Efficiency Action Plan (REAP) produced by the Plasterboard Sustainability Partnership (PSP) sets targets for reducing waste across the sector. FIS along with Build UK have been asked to commit to a reduction in waste target of 15% by 2020....