Building Regulations Approved Document B

 

This section covers the technical guidance contained in Part B [Approved Document B] of schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 2000 [as amended]

 

http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2000/20002531.htm

 

The changes came into force on 6 April 2007 specifically designed to make the guidance more accessible and easier to use [such as splitting the guidance into Approved Document B - Volume 1: Dwellinghouses and Approved Document B - Volume 2: Buildings other than Dwellinghouses], to provide further clarity and guidance and to introduce further design freedoms .

 

For non-domestic buildings, the key changes included the introduction of a maximum unsprinklered compartment size for single storey warehouses and a new requirement to ensure occupiers are made aware of their building's fire protection measures so as to assist with the preparation of fire risk assessments under the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order regime.

[Click this link for more information]

 

Approved Document B (Fire safety) - Volume 1: Dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)

 

Approved Document B (Fire safety) - Volume 2 - Buildings other than dwellinghouses (2006 Edition)

 

Technical Booklet E [Northern Ireland]

 

Sets standards for building fabric fire resistance, means of escape from a building and access for fire fighting.  The Regulations consider 5 aspects of fire safety in the construction of buildings. Other aspects such as the management of premises may be dealt with under separate legislation.

 

The 5 aspects are:

• • That sufficient provisions are made in the design of the building that in the event of a fire occupants can escape to a place of safety by their own efforts;
  • That the internal linings of a building do not support a rapid spread of fire;
  • That the structure of the building should not collapse prematurely and should slow the spread of fire through the building and in unseen cavities and voids by providing fire resisting walls and partitions where necessary;
  • That the spread of fire between buildings be discouraged by spacing them apart sufficiently and controlling the number and size of openings on boundaries;
  • That the building is designed in such a way to aid the fire service.

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  For a copy of Technical Booklet E  click here
  http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/fire_2.pdf

   

   

  Technical Guidance Document B [Ireland]

   

  The Technical Document, commonly known as TGD gives guidance on how to construct a building so that it complies with the Regulations. Where works are carried out in accordance with the TGD, this will indicate compliance with the Regulations. The adoption of an approach different to the TGD's is not prohibited, provided that the approach meets the requirements of the Regulations.

   

  The Building Control Authority may require such evidence in the case of an approach different from that given in the guidance to ensure that the building does comply with the regulations. Important to note that neither the Building Regulations or the TGDs promote the use of a particular product or method of construction

   

  For a copy of TGD B click here
  http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,1640,en.pdf