New Fire Risk Assessment Regulations

According to the Fire Protection Association, The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued a new parliamentary statement that will see changes to fire safety and evacuation provisions, including updates to Approved Document B (ADB).

What do the new regulations entail?

Product marking

The government has announced an extension to the period of recognition of CE (Conformité Européenne) marking for construction products. CE markings are imperative markings for all products that are sold within the European Economic Area, to show to consumers that the product is safe, and meets health expectations and environmental protection standards which have been outlined in EU legislations. Essentially, a CE marking ensures that fire-related products, such as fire doors and dampers, have been tested and meet specific European fire resistance standards. 

The department will also be looking to address “inadequacies across the wider construction products regime” as follows:[1]

• CE marking in Great Britain is planned for acceptance past 30 June 2025.
• The government will consider wider industry, the UK Accreditation Services and UK Conformity Assessment Bodies, in order to boost the conformity assessment market.
• The UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) marking will continue to be considered a viable and supported regulatory mark.
• There would be a requirement for a 2-year transitional period for any alterations to be made in the future for the recognition of CE marking.

National classes and sprinklers in care homes

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced an update stating that sprinklers are to be installed in care homes. This would follow a six-month transition period for developers and care homeowners, anticipating the guidance that will come into effect. This will then follow another six-month timeframe aimed at authorising the continuation of development projects. The process here aligns with the newly released FPA policy manifesto, calling for sprinklers to be installed in all recently refurbished schools and care homes.

Changes to Approved Document B (Fire Safety)

In support of fire safety, adaptations are being made for 2025, 2026 & 2029 as listed on the government website:[2]

• The first amendment booklet includes the removal of references to BS 476 in relation to reaction to fire and roofs and introduce new guidance around the provision of sprinklers in care homes.
• The second amendment booklet includes amendments in relation to second staircases in 18m+ residential buildings that were originally published in the amendment booklet accompanying Circular 01/2024.
• The third amendment booklet contains the removal of references to BS 476 in relation to fire resistance.
• The changes relating to second staircases take effect in 2026 and will now be associated with circular 04/2024.

At Procurement Services, we have a Fire Safety Products and Associated Services framework, which can cater to all fire safety needs. If you require fire safety services to support the new regulations, or would like to take advantage of the supply, installation and maintenance of our fire safety products, our awarded suppliers on the framework can assist with this.

If you would more information on what we can offer, visit here