Updates to Approved Document B: all you need to know

The safety of buildings in the UK has never been under more scrutiny, especially in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, which brought to light serious deficiencies in fire safety standards.

As part of an ongoing effort to enhance safety measures, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced substantial updates to Approved Document B: Fire safety Volume 1 – Dwellings (often referred to as ‘Part B’) in September 2024.

In this article, we will explore the upcoming changes, set to roll out between 2025 and 2029, and examine what architects and main contractors need to know to stay compliant and safeguard public safety.

What is Part B?

Part B is the key piece of building legislation in England covering fire safety matters in and around buildings, including guidance on means of escape, fire spread, structural fire protection and fire service access.

Exploring the deficiencies in Part B has been a key factor in the post-Grenfell investigations, and the changes to it have been long awaited.

What is changing and when?

The amendments to Part B aim to address modern fire safety challenges and set new standards for safety in buildings across many sectors.

Although the amendments have not been incorporated into the Approved Documents yet, there will be three separate updates, each of which coming into force on different dates.

• 2^nd March 2025
  • There must be a provision for sprinklers in all new care homes, irrespective of height.
  • All new care homes will be expected to limit compartment sizes to 10 beds, and ensure self-closing devices are fitted to doors.
  • The removal of references to the national classification system (BS 476) for reaction to fire and roofs.

These changes will apply to new buildings where building control approval has not already been given. Otherwise, a transitional arrangement is in place whereby the 2019 edition, incorporating the 2020 and 2022 amendments, will continue to apply where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or a building control approval application with full plans made to the relevant authority.

The transitional arrangements are applicable for projects where building work has started and is sufficiently progressed before that day; or has started and is sufficiently progressed within the period of six months beginning on that day.

Full details of the changes coming into effect in March 2025 can be found on Gov.uk

Further changes to Part B that will follow in 2026 and 2029 include:

• 30 September 2026
  • Second staircases in residential dwellings of 18m and over.

• 2 September 2029
  • The removal of references to BS 476 in relation to fire resistance.

Why is it important for architects and contractors to be abreast of the changes now?

With the Building Safety Act (BSA) now in force, architects and contractors need to be more aware of their duties than ever before: everyone carrying out design or building work must be competent and able to demonstrate their competence in a way that complies with building regulations.

Architects need to be able to discuss these changes with their clients in order to be able to help them navigate the post-BSA landscape.

Engaging experts early is crucial

One of the most critical aspects of the services we provide at Harwood is fire safety compliance, working alongside local fire service teams to assess existing and future strategies. Below we have highlighted several projects where we were able to provide support:

• Maplesdean Noakes school

At this school in Kent, Harwood led discussions initially with a fire consultant and subsequently with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, to ensure all questions in this area were answered satisfactorily.

Adam Dodd, Operations Director at Harwood, explains that developing and maintaining a good working relationship with the fire service is fundamental in successfully navigating such challenges: “In a project such as this, it’s essential to engage with the fire service early on and then to maintain regular consultation and clear communication throughout.”

• Ruby Ward, Priority House

Adam Dodd, Operations Director at Harwood, worked closely with Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) at the outset of this NHS project, under regulation 12 (duty to consult with the fire brigade): “Implementing a horizontal progressive evacuation strategy allows for the safe and efficient evacuation of patients by moving them horizontally to adjacent compartments or zones within the same floor, rather than attempting a vertical evacuation, which can be more stressful and time-consuming.

“During our consultations with KFRS, we emphasised the need for clear, unobstructed pathways and easily accessible refuge areas to ensure that patients can be moved swiftly and safely. This strategy is particularly beneficial for patients with limited mobility or those who may become disoriented during an emergency, as it minimises the distance and complexity of the evacuation process.”

The upcoming changes to Part B demonstrate a pivotal shift in fire safety standards, with the objective of creating safer buildings for those who live and work in them. Staying informed of these changes is essential for those who work within the industry, particularly considering the new obligations imposed by the BSA.

Engaging experts early in the design and planning stages will be crucial for achieving compliance and ensuring that buildings meet these standards.

To find out more about the changes to Approved Document B, visit Gov.uk. For an overview of other Approved Documents, visit our glossary. To discuss an upcoming or existing project with us, get in touch.