Approved Document (Part) B: Fire Safety Building Regulations
What is Approved Document B?
Also referred to simply as ‘Part B’, this government document is designed to give guidance on fire precautions relating to the wider Building Regulations in England. Approved Document B addresses various topics, including means of escape, fire spread, structural fire protection, and access for fire services – as such it is crucial in assisting designers, contractors, and installers in ensuring that building materials are safe and meet Building Regulations compliance obligations.
Part B is split into two volumes:
Volume 1: Focusing on residential buildings, including apartment blocks.
Volume 2: Pertains to all other building types.
The Sweco Building Control guidance given here is generally based on uncomplex buildings of traditional construction, for other building types the Designer needs to satisfy themselves that the guidance is still appropriate. This guidance is intended to show how requirements B1 to B5 can be met.
- 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
The guidance also refers to alternative standards that can be used to inform design where Approved Document B is not appropriate.
Amendments to Approved Document Part B
The Government has released three sets of future amendments to Approved Document B
1. 2025 amendments
- Transitional Provision
- Initial Notice served prior to 2 March 2025 and started before 2 September 2025
Changes Include:
- Additional requirements for Regulation 38 and guidance on fire safety information.
- Removal of national classes for reaction to fire and roofs.
- Introduction of new provisions for sprinklers in care homes.
2. 2026 Amendments
- Transitional provision
- Initial Notices served prior to 30 September 2026 and started before 30 April 2028
Changes include:
- A new recommendation for more than one common stair to be provided in blocks of flats with a storey 18m or more in height.
- Building design provisions to support the use of evacuation lifts in blocks of flats.
3. 2029 changes
- Transitional provision
- Initial Notices served prior to 30 September 2029 and started before 30 April 2030
Changes focus on:
- The fire safety provisions regarding the removal of national classes for fire resistance.
The Building Safety Act has introduced explicit responsibility for clients, designers and contractors to comply with the building regulations, further information on these duties can be found here.
For further guidance or to discuss your fire compliance requirements, contact our Building Control team below.