O N L I N E V E R S I O N B u ild in g R e g u la t io n s 2 0 1 The Building Regulations 2010 0 Fire safety B A P APPROVED DOCUMENT P R O V E D D O C U M E N T B VOLUME 2 – BUILDINGS OTHER – V O THAN DWELLINGHOUSES L 2 B1 Means of warning and escape B2 Internal fire spread (linings) B3 Internal fire spread (structure) B4 External fire spread B5 Access and facilities for the fire service F i Came into effect April 2007 r e s a f e t y n o i 7, t 0 i d 0 2 3 e g 1 0 6 atin d 20 nts r n e 0 o a m p 2 r 0 d o 1 n c 0 e For use in England* n 2 m i a O N L I N E V E R S I O N O N L I N E V E R S I O N MAiN ChANgEs ii. BB100 should be used for the design of schools. B1 VOLUME 2 g. Fire Alarms in Flats: The guidance on smoke alarms Main changes made by the 2013 in flats has been amended such that alarms should be installed in accordance with BS 5839-6:2004. amendments Simple guidance has been retained, in the form of a commentary on this standard, so that most users of The general guidance on materials and workmanship and the Approved Document will necessarily not need to the Construction Products Directive has been edited and a obtain a copy of the standard. reference to Approved Document 7 put in its place. i. All smoke alarms should have a standby power Table 10 (Classification of linings) has been changed supply. in relation to wallcoverings which conform to BS EN 15102:2007 Decorative wallcoverings – roll and panel form h. Fire Alarms: The guidance for buildings other than products. dwellings has been updated to take account of the 2002 edition of BS 5839-1. Table 11 (Limitations applied to thermoplastic rooflights and lighting diffusers in suspended ceilings and Class 3 i. Means of Escape: plastic rooflights) has been changed to incorporate more i. Locks and child resistant safety stays may be flexible guidance for small diffusers and rooflights. provided on escape windows. Appendix A (Performance of materials, products and ii. New guidance has been provided on the structures) includes new guidance on the standard provision of galleries and inner inner rooms. substrates set out in BS EN 13238 Reaction to fire tests for iii. Additional options of providing sprinkler protection building products – conditioning procedures and general and/or a protected stairway instead of alternative rules for the selection of standard substrates. escape routes has been included for flats with Main changes made by the 2010 more than one storey. iv. Guidance on the use of air circulation systems in amendments flats with protected entrance halls or stairways is given. The amendment in March 2010 updated a number of v. The provisions for smoke control in the common references to European Standards. In particular, the areas of flats have been changed. guidance in Appendix B (Fire doors) was updated to take account of BS EN 81-58:2003 Safety rules for the vi. Guidance on means of escape in buildings with construction and installation of lifts – Examination and open spatial planning has been included. tests. Landing doors fire resistance test. vii. A method has been provided for calculating The amendment in October 2010 reflected the changes acceptable final exit widths for merging escape made as a result of the Building Regulations 2010, Building routes at ground floor level. Approved Inspector etc. Regulations 2010. The changes viii. Guidance on the provision of cavity barriers mainly reflected regulation number changes as a result of associated with subdivided corridors has been re-ordering. moved to Section 3 and clarified. Main changes in the 2006 edition ix. Guidance applicable to small premises, previously in BS 5588-11, has been incorporated into the text. This is the second impression of the 2006 Edition of x. New guidance on the design of residential care Approved Document B which incorporates the typographical homes has been given including the use of and proofing corrections issued in April 2007. sprinklers and/or free swing door closing devices. This edition of Approved Document B, Fire safety, replaces Greater flexibility is also given where sprinkler the 2000 edition. The main changes are: systems are provided. xi. Guidance on means of escape for disabled general people has been incorporated in the general a. Approved Document B: The Approved Document guidance on means of escape. has been split into two volumes. Volume 1 deals with xii. In tall building with phased evacuation dwellinghouses, Volume 2 deals with buildings other consideration needs to be given to the interaction than dwellinghouses. of firefighters with people attempting to evacuate b. Fire safety information: A new Regulation 38 has the building. been introduced to ensure that sufficient information xiii. More detailed guidance has been provided on the is recorded to assist the eventual owner/occupier/ protection of ventilation systems. employer to meet their statutory duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. B3 introduction j. Compartment Walls: The predicted deflection of a floor, in the event of a fire, should be accommodated c. Management of Premises: New guidance is given in the design of compartment walls. on the need to ensure that management regimes are k. sprinkler Protection in Flats: Sprinkler systems realistic. should be provided in blocks of flats exceeding 30m d. Certification schemes: Suitable schemes may be in height. accepted by Building Control Bodies as evidence of l. Warehouses: A maximum compartment size has compliance. been introduced for unsprinklered singlestorey e. Residential sprinklers: The use of sprinkler systems warehouse buildings. in accordance with BS 9251:2005 is recognised. m. Concealed spaces: This section has been f. Alternative Approaches completely restructured. Table 13 (AD B 2000) has now i. HTM 05 “Firecode” should be used for used for been incorporated into the text to reduce confusion. the design of hospitals and similar health care premises. Main changes are continued on the inside back cover * This approved document gives guidance for compliance with the Building Regulations for building work carried out in England. It also applies to building work carried out on excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2009. O N L I N E V E R S I O N O N L I N E V E R S I O N B Contents PAGE PAGE Use of guidance 5 B1 Section 4: Design for vertical escape 43 The Approved Documents 5 Introduction 43 Limitation on requirements 5 Number of escape stairs 43 Materials and workmanship 5 Provision of refuges 43 Interaction with other legislation 6 Width of escape stairs 45 Calculation of minimum stair width 45 General introduction 8 Protection of escape stairs 49 Scope 8 Basement stairs 51 Arrangement of sections 8 External escape stairs 52 Management of premises 9 Property protection 9 B1 Section 5: General provisions 53 Independent schemes of certification and Introduction 53 accreditation 9 Protection of escape routes 53 Sprinkler systems 10 Doors on escape routes 53 Inclusive design 11 Stairs 54 Material alteration 11 General 57 Alternative approaches 11 Lifts 58 B1 Means of warning and escape Mechanical ventilation and – The Requirement 14 air-conditioning systems 59 Refuse chutes and storage 59 B1 Guidance 15 Shop store rooms 60 Performance 15 Introduction 15 B2 Internal fire spread (linings) – The Requirement 61 B1 Section 1: Fire alarm and fire detection systems 17 B2 Guidance 62 Introduction 17 Performance 62 Flats 17 Introduction 62 Buildings other than flats 18 B2 Section 6: Wall and ceiling linings 63 B1 Section 2: Means of escape from flats 21 Classification of linings 63 Introduction 21 Variations and special provisions 63 General provisions 21 Thermoplastic materials 64 Provisions for escape from flats where the floor B3 Internal fire spread (structure) is not more than 4.5m above ground level 22 – The Requirement 67 Provisions for flats with a floor more than 4.5m above ground level 22 B3 Guidance 68 Means of escape in the common parts of flats 25 Performance 68 Common stairs 29 Introduction 68 Live/work units 31 B3 Section 7: Loadbearing elements of structure 69 B1 Section 3: Design for horizontal escape in buildings other than flats 32 Introduction 69 Introduction 32 Fire resistance standard 69 Escape route design 32 Raised storage areas 69 Small premises 39 Conversion to flats 70 Residential care homes 41 Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses O N L I N E V E R S I O N 1 O N L I N E V E R S I O N B CONTENTS PAGE PAGE B3 Section 8: Compartmentation 71 B4 Section 14: Roof coverings 102 Introduction 71 Introduction 102 Provision of compartmentation 71 Classification of performance 102 Construction of compartment walls and Separation distances 102 compartment floors 74 B5 Access and facilities for Openings in compartmentation 76 the Fire and Rescue Service Protected shafts 76 – The Requirement 105 B3 Section 9: Concealed spaces (cavities) 80 B5 Guidance 106 Introduction 80 Performance 106 Provision of cavity barriers 80 Introduction 106 Pathways around fire separating elements 81 B5 Section 15: Fire Mains and hydrants 107 Extensive cavities 81 Introduction 107 Construction and fixings for cavity barriers 84 Provision of fire mains 107 B3 Section 10: Protection of openings Number and location of fire mains 107 and fire-stopping 85 Design and construction of fire mains 107 Introduction 85 Provision of private hydrants 107 Openings for pipes 85 B5 Section 16: Vehicle access 108 Ventilation ducts, flues, etc. 86 Introduction 108 Fire-stopping 87 Buildings not fitted with fire mains 108 B3 Section 11: Special provisions for car Buildings fitted with fire mains 111 parks and shopping complexes 89 Design of access routes and hard-standings 111 lntroduction 89 Car parks 89 B5 Section 17: Access to buildings for firefighting personnel 112 Shopping complexes 90 Introduction 112 B4 External fire spread Provision of firefighting shafts 112 – The Requirement 91 Number and location of firefighting shafts 112 B4 Guidance 92 Design and construction of firefighting shafts 112 Performance 92 Rolling shutters in compartment walls 114 Introduction 92 B5 Section 18: Venting of heat and B4 Section 12: Construction of smoke from basements 115 external walls 93 Introduction 115 Introduction 93 Provision of smoke outlets 115 Fire resistance standard 93 Construction of outlet ducts or shafts 116 Portal frames 93 Basement car parks 116 External wall construction 93 Appendices External surfaces 93 Appendix A: Performance of B4 Section 13: Space separation 96 materials, products and structures 117 Introduction 96 Introduction 117 Boundaries 97 Fire resistance 117 Unprotected areas and fire resistance 98 Roofs 118 Methods for calculating acceptable Reaction to fire 119 unprotected area 100 Non-combustible materials 119 Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses Approved Document B (Fire safety) 2 O N L I N E V E R S I O N O N L I N E V E R S I O N B CONTENTS PAGE PAGE Materials of limited combustibility 119 19. Progressive horizontal evacuation in care homes 41 Internal linings 119 20. Refuge formed by compartmentation 44 Thermoplastic materials 120 21. Refuge formed in a stairway 44 Fire test methods 121 22. Maximum travel distance in a two-storey Appendix B: Fire doors 132 premises with a single open stair 50 23. Maximum travel distance in a Appendix C: Methods of measurement 135 small three-storey premises with a single stair to each storey 50 Appendix D: Purpose groups 139 24. External protection to protected stairways 55 Appendix E: Definitions 141 25. Fire resistance of areas adjacent to external stairs 56 Appendix F: Fire behaviour of insulating core panels used for internal structures 145 B2 Appendix G: Fire safety information 147 26. Lighting diffuser in relation to ceiling 64 27. Layout restrictions on Class 3 plastic Appendix H: Standards and other rooflights, TP(b) rooflights and TP(b) publications referred to 149 lighting diffusers 65 Diagrams 27A. Layout restrictions on small Class 3 plastic rooflights, TP(b) rooflights and B1 lighting diffusers 66 1. Gallery floors with no alternative exit 22 B3 2. Flat where all habitable rooms have 28. Compartment floors: illustration of direct access to an entrance hall 23 guidance in paragraph 8.18 73 3. Flat with restricted travel distance 29. Compartment walls and compartment from furthest point to entrance 23 floors with reference to relevant 4. Flat with an alternative exit, but paragraphs in Section 8 75 where all habitable rooms have no 30. Junction of compartment wall with roof 77 direct access to an entrance hall 24 31. Protected shafts 78 5. Multi-storey flat with alternative exits from each habitable room, except at 32. Uninsulated glazed screen separating entrance level 24 protected shaft from lobby or corridor 79 6. Multi-storey flat with protected 33. Provisions for cavity barriers 80 entrance hall and landing 25 34. Cavity walls excluded from provisions 7. Flats served by one common stair 26 for cavity barriers 82 8. Flats served by more than one 35. Fire-resisting ceiling below common stair 27 concealed space 83 9. Common escape route in small single 36. Provisions for cavity barriers in stair building 28 double-skinned insulated roof sheeting 83 10. Travel distance in dead-end condition 34 37. Pipes penetrating structure 86 11. Alternative escape routes 34 38. Enclosure for drainage or water supply pipes 87 12. Inner room and access room 35 39. Flues penetrating compartment 13. Exits in a central core 35 walls or floors 88 14. Open connections 35 B4 15. Merging flows at final exit 37 40. Provisions for external surfaces or walls 95 16. Subdivision of corridors 38 41. Relevant boundary 96 17. Dead-end corridors 39 42. Notional boundary 97 18. Maximum travel distances in a small two or three storey premises with a single 43. Status of combustible surface material protected stairway to each storey 40 as unprotected area 98 Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses O N L I N E V E R S I O N 3 O N L I N E V E R S I O N B CONTENTS PAGE PAGE 44. Unprotected areas which may be B2 disregarded in assessing the separation 10. Classification of linings 63 distance from the boundary 99 11. Limitations applied to thermoplastic 45. The effect of a canopy on rooflights and lighting diffusers in separation distance 99 suspended ceilings and Class 3 46. Permitted unprotected areas in small plastic rooflights 65 residential buildings 101 B3 47. Limitations on spacing and size of plastic rooflights having a Class 3 (National 12. Maximum dimensions of building class) or Class D-s3, d2 (European or compartment (non-residential class) or TP(b) lower surface 102 buildings) 74 13. Maximum dimensions of cavities in B5 non-domestic buildings (Purpose 48. Example of building footprint and Groups 2-7) 82 perimeter 109 14. Maximum nominal internal diameter of 49. Relationship between building and pipes passing through a compartment hard-standing/access roads for high wall/floor 85 reach fire appliances 110 B4 50. Turning facilities 111 15. Permitted unprotected areas in small 51. Provision of firefighting shafts 113 buildings or compartments 101 52. Components of a firefighting shaft 114 16. Limitations on roof coverings 103 53. Fire-resisting construction for smoke 17. Class 3 (National class) or Class outlet shafts 115 D-s3,d2 plastic rooflights: limitations on use and boundary distance 104 Appendices 18. TP(a) and TP(b) plastic rooflights: C1. Measurement of door width 136 limitations on useand boundary C2. Cubic capacity 136 distance 104 C3. Area 137 B5 C4. Height of building 137 19. Fire and rescue service vehicle access C5. Number of storeys 138 to buildings (excluding blocks of flats) not fitted with fire mains 108 C6. Height of top storey in building 138 20. Typical fire and rescue service vehicle C7. Free area of smoke ventilators 138 access route specification 111 E1. Recessed car parking areas 144 Appendices Tables A1. Specific provisions of test for fire resistance of elements of structure etc. 122 B1 A2. Minimum periods of fire resistance 124 1. Limitations on distance of travel in common areas of block of flats 28 A3. Limitations on fire-protecting suspended ceilings 126 2. Limitations on travel distance 33 A4. Limitations on the use of uninsulated 3. Minimum number of escape routes glazed elements on escape routes 127 and exits from a room, tier or storey 34 A5. Notional designations of roof coverings 128 4. Widths of escape routes and exits 36 A6. Use and definitions of non-combustible 5. Maximum distances of travel in materials 129 small premises with a protected stair 40 A7. Use and definitions of materials of 6. Minimum widths of escape stairs 45 limited combustibility 130 7. Capacity of a stair for basements A8. Typical performance ratings of some and for simultaneous evacuation of generic materials and products 131 the building 46 B1. Provisions for fire doors 134 8. Minimum width of stairs designed for phased evacuation 48 C1. Floor space factors 135 9. Provisions for escape lighting 58 D1. Classification of purpose groups 140 Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses Approved Document B (Fire safety) 4 O N L I N E V E R S I O N O N L I N E V E R S I O N B Use of guidance THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP This document is one of a series that has been Any building work which is subject to the approved and issued by the Secretary of State requirements imposed by schedule 1 to the for the purpose of providing practical guidance Building Regulations shall be carried out in with respect to the requirements of Schedule 1 accordance with regulation 7. Guidance on to and Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations meeting these requirements on materials and 2010 (SI 2000/2214) for England and Wales. workmanship is contained in the Approved Document to support regulation 7. At the back of this document is a list of all the documents that have been approved and issued Building Regulations are made for specific by the Secretary of State for this purpose. purposes, primarily the health and safety, welfare and convenience of people and for energy The Approved Documents are intended to conservation. Standards and other technical provide guidance for some of the more common specifications may provide relevant guidance to building situations. However, there may well be the extent that they relate to these considerations. alternative ways of achieving compliance with However, they may also address other aspects the requirements. of performance or matters which, although they Thus there is no obligation to adopt any relate to health and safety etc., are not covered particular solution contained in an Approved by the Building Regulations. Document if you prefer to meet the relevant When an Approved Document makes reference requirement in some other way. to a named standard, the relevant version of the standard to which it refers is the one listed at the Other requirements end of the publication. However, if this version The guidance contained in an Approved Document has been revised or updated by the issuing relates only to the particular requirements of the standards body, the new version may be used Regulations which that document addresses. The as a source of guidance provided it continues building work will also have to comply with the to address the relevant requirements of the Requirements of any other relevant paragraphs Regulations. in Schedule 1 to the Regulations. Independent certification schemes There are Approved Documents which give guidance on each of the other requirements in There are many UK product certification schemes. Schedule 1 and on Regulation 7. Such schemes certify compliance with the requirements of a recognised document which is appropriate to the purpose for which the product LIMITATION ON REQUIREMENTS is to be used. Products which are not so certified In accordance with Regulation 8, the requirements may still conform to a relevant standard. in Parts A to D, F to K, N and P (except for Many certification bodies which approve such paragraphs H2 and J7) of Schedule 1 to the schemes are accredited by the United Kingdom Building Regulations do not require anything Accreditation Service (UKAS). to be done except for the purpose of securing reasonable standards of health and safety for Since the fire performance of a product, persons in or about buildings (and any others component or structure is dependent upon who may be affected by buildings or matters satisfactory site installation and maintenance, connected with buildings). This is one of the independent schemes of certification and categories of purpose for which Building Regulations accreditation of installers and maintenance firms may be made. of such will provide confidence in the appropriate standard of workmanship being provided. Paragraphs H2 and J7 are excluded from Regulation 8 because they deal directly with Building Control Bodies may accept the certification prevention of the contamination of water. Parts E of products, components, materials or structures and M (which deal, respectively, with resistance under such schemes as evidence of compliance to the passage of sound and access to and use of with the relevant standard. Similarly, Building buildings) are excluded from Regulation 8 because Control Bodies may accept the certification they address the welfare and convenience of of the installation or maintenance of products, building users. Part L is excluded from Regulation 8 components, materials or structures under such because it addresses the conservation of fuel schemes as evidence of compliance with the and power. All these matters are amongst the relevant standard. Nonetheless, a Building Control purposes other than health and safety that may Body will wish to establish, in advance of the be addressed by Building Regulations. work, that any such scheme is adequate for the purposes of the Building Regulations. Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses O N L I N E V E R S I O N 5 O N L I N E V E R S I O N B USE OF GUIDANCE Technical specifications at an early stage as to what, if any, additional provisions may be necessary when the building Building Regulations are made for specific is first occupied. purposes including: health and safety, energy conservation and the welfare and convenience Article 6 of the Order does exclude some premises of people. Standards and technical approvals are such as certain mines, vehicles and land forming relevant guidance to the extent that they relate part of an agricultural or forestry undertaking. to these considerations. However, they may also The Order applies to all non-domestic premises, address other aspects of performance such as which includes the common parts of block of serviceability, or aspects which, although they flats and HMOs. relate to health and safety, are not covered by Guidance on the consultation procedures that the Regulations. should be adopted to ensure that the requirements When an Approved Document makes reference of all enforcing authorities are addressed at to a named standard, the relevant version of Building Regulation Approval stage is contained in the standard is the one listed at the end of Building Regulation and Fire Safety – Procedural the publication. However, if this version of the Guidance, published jointly by CLG and the standard has been revised or updated by the Welsh Assembly Government. issuing standards body, the new version may There may be other Statutes enforced by the be used as a source of guidance provided it local authority or the fire and rescue authority continues to address the relevant requirements that may be applied to premises of specific uses of the Regulations. once they are occupied. The appropriate use of a product which complies with a European Technical Approval as defined in Houses in multiple occupation the Construction Products Directive should meet This guidance may also be applicable to the the relevant requirements. design and construction of dwellings which are The Department intends to issue periodic considered to be ‘houses in multiple occupation’ amendments to its Approved Documents (HMOs), as defined in the Housing Act 2004, to reflect emerging harmonised European providing there are no more than six residents Standards. Where a national standard is to be in any self-contained dwelling. The licensing replaced by a European harmonised standard, of HMOs is typically overseen by the Local there will be a co-existence period during which Authority who may require additional precautions either standard may be referred to. At the end over and above this guidance. Technical of the co-existence period the national standard guidance on the assessment of hazards from fire will be withdrawn. and preventive measures for HMOs is contained in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System Operating Guidance issued in February 2006 INTERACTION WITH OTHER (ISBN: 978 1 85112 846 4). LEGISLATION The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) The Fire Safety Order reforms the law relating to Regulations 1992 contain some requirements which fire safety in non-domestic premises. Specifically affect building design. The main requirements are it replaces the Fire Precautions (Workplace) now covered by the Building Regulations, but for Regulations 1997 and the Fire Precautions Act further information see: Workplace health, safety 1971. It imposes a general duty to take such fire and welfare, The Workplace (Health, Safety and precautions as may be reasonably required to Welfare) Regulations 1992, Approved Code of ensure that premises are safe for the occupants Practice and Guidance; The Health and Safety and those in the immediate vicinity. Commission, L24; published by HMSO 1992 By virtue of the Order, the responsible person is (ISBN: 0 11886 333 9). required to carry out a fire risk assessment of their The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) premises. This must be a suitable and sufficient Regulations 1992 apply to the common parts assessment of the risks to which relevant persons of flats and similar buildings if people such as are exposed for the purpose of identifying the cleaners, wardens and caretakers are employed general fire precautions they need to take to to work in these common parts. Where the comply with the requirements under the Order. requirements of the Building Regulations that are Although these requirements are applicable to covered by this Part do not apply to dwellings, premises whilst in operation, it would be useful the provisions may still be required in the for the designers of a building to carry out a situations described above in order to satisfy preliminary fire risk assessment as part of the the Workplace Regulations. design process. If a preliminary risk assessment is produced, it can be used as part of the Building Regulations submission and can assist the fire safety enforcing authority in providing advice Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses Approved Document B (Fire safety) 6 O N L I N E V E R S I O N O N L I N E V E R S I O N B USE OF GUIDANCE The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2006 The purpose of this Approved Document is to provide guidance on the fire safety requirements for the completed building. It does not address the risk of fire during the construction work which is covered by the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2006 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. HSE has issued the following guidance on fire safety in construction: Construction Information Sheet No 51 Construction fire safety; and HSG 168 Fire safety in construction work (ISBN: 0 71761 332 1). When the construction work is being carried out on a building which, apart from the construction site part of the building, is occupied, the Fire and Rescue Authority is responsible for the enforcement of the 2006 Regulations in respect of fire. Where the building is unoccupied, the Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcement on the construction site. Environmental Protection Requirements under Part B of the Building Regulations and the guidance in this Approved Document are made for the purpose of ensuring the health and safety of people in and around buildings. The Environment Agency publishes guidance on the design and construction of buildings for the purpose of protecting the environment. This includes Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG18) on Managing Fire Water and Major Spillages, which seeks to minimise the effects of water run-off from fire-fighting. It is aimed at medium to large (and small, high-risk) commercial and industrial sites and sets out requirements for the construction of containment areas for contaminated water and such other measures. It should be noted that compliance with the Building Regulations does not depend upon compliance with other such guidance. Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses O N L I N E V E R S I O N 7 O N L I N E V E R S I O N B General introduction FIRE SAFETY VOLUME 2 provisions for controlling external fire spread (B4) and between B3 and B5. Interaction between – BUILDINGS OTHER THAN these different requirements should be recognised DWELLINGHOUSES where variations in the standard of provision are being considered. A higher standard under one Scope of the requirements may be of benefit in respect of one or more of the other requirements. The 0.1 Approved Document B (Fire safety) has guidance in the document as a whole should be been published in two volumes. Volume 1 deals considered as a package aimed at achieving an solely with dwellinghouses (see Appendix E and acceptable standard of fire safety. Building Regulation 2(1)), while Volume 2 deals with all other types of building covered by the 0.5 In the guidance on B1 the provisions for Building Regulations. flats are separated from those for all other types of building because there are important differences Where very large (over 18m in height) or unusual in the approach that has been adopted. dwellinghouses are proposed, some of the guidance in Volume 2 may be needed to Appendices: provisions common to more than supplement that given by Volume 1. one of Part B’s requirements 0.6 Guidance on matters that refer to more than ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS one of the Sections is in a series of Appendices, covering the following subjects: 0.2 The functional requirements B1 to B5 of Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations are dealt Appendix A: Performance of materials, with separately in one or more Sections. The products and structures requirement is reproduced at the start of the Appendix B: Fire doors relevant Sections, followed by an introduction to the subject. Appendix C: Methods of measurement 0.3 The provisions set out in this document Appendix D: Purpose groups deal with different aspects of fire safety, with the Appendix E: Definitions following aims. Appendix F: Fire behaviour of insulating core B1: To ensure satisfactory provision of panels used for internal structures means of giving an alarm of fire and a satisfactory standard of means of escape Appendix G: Fire safety information for persons in the event of fire in a building. Appendix H: S tandards and other B2: To ensure fire spread over the internal publications referred to. linings of buildings is inhibited. Fire performance of materials, products B3: To ensure the stability of buildings in and structures the event of fire; to ensure that there is a sufficient degree of fire separation within 0.7 Much of the guidance throughout this buildings and between adjoining buildings; document is given in terms of performance in to provide automatic fire suppression relation to standard fire test methods. Details are where necessary; and to inhibit the unseen drawn together in Appendix A to which reference spread of fire and smoke in concealed is made where appropriate. In the case of fire spaces in buildings. protection systems, reference is made to standards for systems design and installation. Standards B4: To ensure external walls and roofs have referred to are listed in Appendix H. adequate resistance to the spread of fire over the external envelope and that spread of Fire doors fire from one building to another is restricted. 0.8 Guidance in respect of fire doors is set out B5: To ensure satisfactory access for fire in Appendix B. appliances to buildings and the provision of facilities in buildings to assist firefighters Methods of measurement in the saving of life of people in and 0.9 Some form of measurement is an integral around buildings. part of much of the guidance in this document 0.4 Whilst guidance appropriate to each of and methods are set out in Appendix C. these aspects is set out separately in this document, Purpose groups many of the provisions are closely interlinked. For example, there is a close link between the 0.10 Much of the guidance in this document provisions for means of escape (B1) and those for is related to the use of the building. The use the control of fire growth (B2), fire containment classifications are termed purpose groups and (B3) and facilities for the fire and rescue service they are described in Appendix D. (B5). Similarly there are links between B3 and the Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellinghouses Approved Document B (Fire safety) 8 O N L I N E V E R S I O N