SWECO BUILDING STANDARDS GUIDANCE NOTE
Independent Sections Building Regulations
Introduction
This guidance note is aimed to assist surveyors verifying the clients view that the building work proposed is in an independent section designated as a non HRB use. It is important that the surveyor follows the principle that the client provides their documented view as to why the proposal is a “non HRB independent section” for verification as part of the statutory process.
Guidance
Independent sections must be separated in compliance with Building Regulation B3.
If the independent section is completely separate with no “pedestrian” connection (doorway, archway or similar opening), then it should be relatively simple to confirm the client’s interpretation.
Independent sections can share plant rooms with other independent sections. Service runs passing between independent sections do not lead to the loss of “independence” (The functional requirements in B3 must be met at service penetration points). Where a plantroom(s) is/are shared it should be confirmed that the multiple accountable persons have established cooperation to manage risk.
Where the independent sections are connected by a “pedestrian” connection, the client should clearly establish that these connections are only for the purposes of emergency use or access for maintenance. It would be expected the client outlines how the connections use is confined to emergency or access for maintenance through physical controls and management.
Where an independent section is connected by a corridor, the client should establish why the corridor is not used as a thoroughfare between the two sections (thoroughfare was a term used by a spokesperson from the BSR when answering a question on making judgements on this kind of arrangement). Once again it would be appropriate for the client to outline how the corridors use is restricted through physical controls and management, so it does not act as a throughfare.
If two buildings are linked by an enclosed walkway, the walkway must have its own independent means of access and egress, for the buildings to be considered independent.
We are aware that consideration is being made to change this guidance when looking at hospitals and care homes. Clients can be made aware of this potential change, but it cannot be used as justification until the guidance has been formally released. When/if this change is made this guidance will be updated.
The contents of this Guidance Note are confidential to Sweco and the intended recipient and are subject to copyright in favour of Sweco. The content of this Guidance Note must not be reproduced by any person (including the intended recipient) without the prior written consent of Sweco.
The Guidance Note does not constitute professional advice and Sweco hereby offers no reliance and accepts no liability (in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise) for parties acting on the content of this Guidance Note without taking specific professional advice from Sweco. The Guidance Note is provided as generic guidance only and any opinion, views or advice expressed in this Guidance Note are made without any representations or provide any assurances or warranties as to the content. If you require specific advice with respect to your own project or circumstances, please contact Neil Badley.