Fire Safety Regulations 2022 come into effect January 23rd 2023, including Approved Document B provisions for the external walls of high-rise residential buildings
With fire-safety at the forefront of the construction industry amidst the stringent reviews by the UK government and relevant authorities, it is vitally important that we remain up to date with the latest regulations. These assessments will include revisions in regard to building materials used within the external walls of multi-storey multi-occupancy buildings and therefore directly reflect upon our products.
As the UK’s leading aluminium decking and balcony component manufacturer, we feel it is our responsibility to thoroughly review and interpret these changes for our customers and Approved Installers to ensure we remain well within the regulations through futureproof solutions.
Approved Document B (ADB) addresses fire safety precautions that must be adhered to in order to safeguard the safety of any occupants and personnel within the building. This includes the external walls as combustible materials have proven to assist in the spread of fire by enveloping the building. The changes to ADB in December 2022 included a change in the height above where A2-s1, d0 materials must be used, from 18m to 11m, it is therefore vital to ensure you are aware of the materials used within the external walls if your building is over 11m high.
The new provisions require the responsible persons for the building to have a full record of all materials used within the external walls. If they do not have all of the relevant information available, they are required to share all information they currently possess, and to carry out a full risk assessment and share the findings including details of the level of risk identified in the risk assessment required under article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
If combustible materials are found to be present, then the responsible persons will be required to find a solution in order to mitigate such a risk. Materials such as timber and composite, which are often found within older balconies, terraces, and walkways, will require a full remediation/refurbishment process in order to provide a compliant and fire-safe environment.
The responsible person will then be responsible for prepare a revised record if there are any significant changes to the external walls of the building. The Act can hold Responsible Persons liable for any breaches of their fire safety duties and could face criminal prosecution and fines should they be found in breach of the regulations beyond January 23rd.
AliDeck are proud to be playing our role in the solution, supplying non-combustible aluminium decking boards and balcony components to projects across the UK & Ireland. We design, manufacture and supply all of our innovative products in-house, paying close attention to detail in order to remain within the latest compliance measures. Ensuring our Approved Installers and customers benefit from the most cost-effective futureproof solutions available off the shelf.
If you would like to discuss the applicable regulations with us further or have an upcoming remediation project on your horizon and require support, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01622 235 672 or email info@alideck.co.uk.
