The proposals include a range of updates and clarifications to improve the application and effectiveness of fire safety guidance. Key areas under consideration include:

• Introducing important clarifications and technical amendments to existing guidance
• Consolidating guidance relating to building work on existing buildings
• Establishing a threshold for the use of combustible structural elements, beyond which Approved Document B guidance would no longer apply
• Revising and strengthening guidance on external wall systems and balconies, including a review of the scope of the ban on combustible materials in and on external walls and specified attachments
• Recommending the provision of evacuation lifts in residential buildings over 18 metres in height, alongside clarification for non-residential buildings
• Updating terminology by replacing ‘sheltered housing’ with ‘specialised housing’, and introducing provisions for extended alarm coverage in these settings
• Introducing updated guidance on roofs, including provisions for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
• Increasing the required structural fire resistance of open-sided car parks

Have your say

Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to respond via the dedicated consultation page on the Health and Safety Executive website.

The open consultation process is live now, running for 12 weeks and closing for responses at 11.59 pm on 17 June.

View the source.
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