VOLUME 1 - DWELLINGHOUSES

MAIN CHANGES IN THE 2006 APPROVED DOCUMENT

This edition of Approved Document B, Fire safety, replaces the 2000 edition. The main changes are:

General

a. Approved Document B: The Approved Document has been split into two volumes. Volume 1 deals with dwellinghouses, Volume 2 deals with buildings other than dwellinghouses (see next page).

Wherever possible the guidance in Volume 1 has been tailored and simplified to be more directly relevant to dwellinghouses.

Introduction

c. Certification Schemes: Suitable schemes may be accepted by Building Control Bodies as evidence of compliance.

b. Residential Sprinklers: The use of sprinkler systems in accordance with BS 9251:2005 is recognised.

d. Adult Placements: Reference is made to the code of practice for fire safety in adult placements.

B1

e. Fire Alarms: The guidance on smoke alarms has been amended such that alarms should be installed in accordance with BS 5839- 6:2004.

Simple guidance has been retained, in the form of a commentary on this standard, so that most users of the Approved Document will not necessarily need to obtain a copy of the standard.

All smoke alarms should have a standby power supply.

Where a dwellinghouse is extended smoke alarms should be provided in the circulation spaces.

f. Means of escape: The guidance on means of escape has been restructured to make it easier to use.

• i. Additional guidance has been provided in relation to work on existing houses.
• ii. Locks and child resistant safety stays may be provided on escape windows.
• iii. The alternative approach for loft conversions to two storey houses has been removed.
• iv. New guidance has been provided on the provision of galleries and inner inner rooms.
• v. An option of providing sprinkler protection instead of alternative escape routes has been included for dwellinghouses with a floor more than 7.5m above ground level.
• vi. Guidance on the application of B1 to replacement windows has been included.
• vii. Guidance on the use of air circulation systems in houses with protected stairways is given.

• B3

g. Integral Garages: The provision of a sloping floor has been included as an alternative to the 100mm step between dwellinghouses and integral garages.

h. Compartmentation: Guidance on the junction between compartment walls and roofs has been clarified and expanded.

i. Cavity Barriers: Window and door frames are only suitable for use as cavity barriers if they are constructed of steel or timber of an appropriate thickness.

B4

j. Roof Coverings: The guidance on roof coverings incorporates the new European system of classification set out in BS EN 13501-5:2005.

B5

k. Vehicle Access: There should be access for a pump appliance to within 45m of all points within a dwellinghouse.

Appendix B

I. Self-Closing Devices: Other than doors between a dwellinghouse and an integral garage, fire doors need not be provided with self closing devices.