Building Regulations
Approved Document B of The Building Regulations covers fire safety matters.
The two documents ( Volume 1 : Dwellings, and Volume 2 : Buildings other than dwellinghouses ) cover topics such as means of detection and early warning; means of escape in case of fire; fire resistance; compartmentation: external fire spread and access for fire fighting.
Pre-application meetings are encouraged for larger projects where fire safety advice can be given. This can include pre-application consultation with the Fire Service if considered necessary.
Fire Safety in certain types of building is a consideration within the duties of the City Council’s Licensing Team.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) came into effect in October 2006 and replaced over 70 pieces of fire safety law.
The FSO applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales, including the common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
The law applies to you if you are:
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responsible for business premises
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an employer or self-employed with business premises
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responsible for a part of a dwelling where that part is solely used for business purposes
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a charity or voluntary organisation
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a contractor with a degree of control over any premises
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providing accommodation for paying guests
Under the FSO, the responsible person must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire management plan.
Under Regulation 12(3) of The Building Regulations 2010, the Building Notice procedure cannot be used for a Building Regulations application if the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is applicable.
In this instance a Full Plans application must be made to allow Building Control to carry out the statutory consultation with the Fire Service.
