To build on fire safety measures introduced since the Grenfell Tower tragedy the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has recently announced the proposal of new rules which would mandate second staircases in new residential buildings over 30m and sprinkler systems for new care homes.
The Government has invited responses to the consultation which will run for 12 weeks, from 23 December 2022 to 17 March 2023.
In summary, the new proposals are as following:
• The recently proposed rules on staircases would mean that a second staircase would need to be introduced if a new tower block is over 30 metres.
• Sprinklers would also become mandated for all new care homes regardless of height.
• The removal of references to the national classifications (BS 476) from Approved Document B. Consequently, the current dual system will end, and construction product manufacturers will be required to test their products to the British standard version of European Standards.
• To better clarify guidance in Approved Document B, the government has called for evidence from industry regarding materials and products used in external walls.
To provide your feedback or for more information please click on the following link which will take you to gov.uk.
