When it comes to designing or altering buildings in the UK, fire safety isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement.
One of the most important pieces of guidance in this area is Approved Document B, part of the Building Regulations.
If you’re involved in construction, refurbishment, or managing building compliance, it’s something you need to be aware of.
Approved Document B sets out the minimum fire safety standards for buildings in England.
It covers everything from fire spread and structural integrity to safe means of escape and access for firefighters.
Let’s explore what it is, who needs to follow it, and why it matters.
What Is Approved Document B?
Approved Document B is part of the government’s Building Regulations and provides practical guidance on how to meet the legal requirements for fire safety when constructing or altering buildings.
It applies to:
- New builds (residential, commercial, or mixed use)
- Extensions or major refurbishments
- Conversions, such as houses turned into flats
- Certain changes of use
It’s split into two volumes:
- Volume 1: Dwellinghouses (individual homes)
- Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellinghouses (including blocks of flats, commercial buildings, schools, offices, care homes, etc.)
What Does It Cover?
Approved Document B addresses several key aspects of fire safety in buildings.
These include:
1. Means of escape: Ensuring people can safely exit the building in the event of a fire. This includes the number and layout of escape routes, emergency lighting, signage, and fire exit door specifications.
2. Internal fire spread (linings and structure): Controlling how fires spread inside a building. The guidance sets out acceptable materials for walls and ceilings, fire resistance of structural elements, and compartmentation strategies.
3. External fire spread: Preventing fire from spreading across the outside of a building or between buildings. This is especially important for flats, cladding systems, and closely spaced properties.
4. Access and facilities for the fire service: Making sure emergency services can reach the building and operate effectively. This includes vehicle access, firefighting shafts, risers, water supplies, and evacuation lifts.
5. Fire detection and alarm systems: Recommending appropriate levels of fire detection and warning for different types of buildings, especially those with sleeping occupants.
Is It Legally Binding?
Approved Document B itself isn’t law, but it supports compliance with the Building Regulations 2010. If your building work meets the standards set out in the document, it’s generally accepted that you’ve complied with the fire safety requirements of the law.
However, it’s not the only way to meet the law. Alternative solutions may be acceptable, but they must be justified with suitable evidence, such as fire engineering reports. For most residential and commercial projects, sticking to Approved Document B is the simplest and most widely accepted approach.
Recent Updates and Grenfell’s Influence
Since the Grenfell Tower fire, there has been a growing focus on improving fire safety in high-rise and high-risk buildings. As a result, Approved Document B has been updated several times—notably in relation to:
- Use of combustible cladding and insulation
- Fire doors and their performance
- Signage and wayfinding in flats
- Sprinkler requirements in taller residential buildings
Staying up to date with the latest version is vital, especially for those involved in design, planning, and compliance.
How Does It Relate to Fire Risk Assessments?
Approved Document B mainly applies at the design and construction stage, while fire risk assessments (under the Fire Safety Order 2005 and related laws) apply to buildings once they’re occupied.
However, there is overlap. If a fire risk assessment identifies that a building doesn’t meet the standards expected by Approved Document B—particularly for escape routes, compartmentation, or fire doors—it may be necessary to upgrade the building to bring it in line with modern expectations.
How ESI Can Help
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we regularly work with landlords, developers, facilities managers, and managing agents to identify fire safety issues linked to poor design, outdated construction, or missed compliance during alterations.
If you’re unsure whether your building still meets the intent of Approved Document B—or if you’re planning changes that may affect fire safety—speak to us first.
We help ensure buildings across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and surrounding areas stay compliant, safe, and up to date with current fire safety best practices.
Whether you’re building new, managing an existing block of flats, or looking to improve compliance, ESI is here to help you navigate fire safety regulations with confidence.
