Building Regulations Amendments to Approved Documents B
Published on 19 July 2007 at 20:44
The most obvious change to the Approved Document is that it is
now produced in two volumes. Volume 1 “Dwellinghouses” and Volume
2 “Buildings other than dwellinghouses”. Both documents follow
the same format and layout as the 2000/2002 edition.
Changes in Volume 2 Buildings other than
dwellinghouses.
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An option of providing sprinkler protection instead of an
alternative route in flats with more than one storey.
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New guidance on the design of residential care homes given
including the use of sprinklers.
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Sprinkler systems should be provided in blocks of flats
exceeding 30m.
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The predicted deflection of a floor in a fire should be
accommodated in the design of a compartment wall.
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A maximum compartment size has been introduced for
unsprinklered warehouses.
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Extensive voids under floor should be subdivided with cavity
barriers.
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Where buildings are on the same site but operated by different
organisations then space separation will apply.
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Assembly buildings with a floor exceeding 900m 2 at 7.5m or
more will need firefighting shafts.
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In unsprinklered buildings over 18m every part of every
building should be within 45m of a fire main outlet.
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Fire mains should be designed according to the provisions of
BS 9990:2006 Code of practice for non-automatic fire
fighting systems in buildings.
Further information on the Approved Document B can be found in
the March newsletter.
