Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations

Consultation description: In 2018 the Welsh Government consulted on banning the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of specific types of high-rise buildings. Following the consultation, the Building Regulations 2010 (“Building Regulations”) were amended to restrict the use of combustible materials in and on external walls and specified attachments to a list of materials essential for construction but without an available non-combustible alternative. They are now proposing to:

• amend the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on external walls of buildings 
• setting limits on the use of combustible materials on certain buildings over 11m
• introduce Evacuation Alert System (EAS)
• introduce Secure Information Boxes in all new blocks of flats with a floor of 11m or more above ground level
• introduce floor identification and flat wayfinding signage
• an amendment regarding referencing of BS EN 13501 and BS 476
• a call for evidence over the number of stairs in buildings and the removal of all references to the BS 476 fire classifications from AD B

Full documentation can be found here: Amendments to Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations and associated statutory guidance documents, including a call for evidence. (gov.wales) If the WTA receives representation we will submit a response.

Closes 09/01/2024