Approved_Document B Volume 2 Flashcards
What is Requirement B1?
Requirement B1 ensures that buildings provide early warning of fire and a safe means of escape.
What are the key objectives of Requirement B1?
To provide sufficient fire detection, safe escape routes, protected stairways, and necessary signage.
What are the fire alarm requirements for non-domestic buildings?
They must comply with BS 5839-1, with system categories determined by a fire risk assessment.
What are the escape route design principles for non-domestic buildings?
Escape routes must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and lead to a place of safety.
What is the required fire alarm category for high-risk buildings?
Category L1, which provides automatic detection in all areas of the building.
What fire detection requirements apply to commercial buildings with sleeping accommodation?
Automatic fire detection must be installed in all sleeping rooms, corridors, and escape routes.
What are the escape requirements for a small non-domestic building?
Escape routes should be as direct as possible and lead to a final exit within 18m if only a single escape route is available.
What are the travel distance limits for fire escape routes in large buildings?
45m if two escape routes are available, 18m if only a single escape route is available.
What fire escape requirements apply to open-plan office buildings?
Travel distances must be reduced, and multiple exits must be provided where necessary.
What is the minimum width for a fire escape route?
850mm, increasing based on occupancy numbers.
What fire escape provisions apply to buildings over 11m in height?
They must have at least two escape staircases and a firefighting shaft if over 18m.
What is a protected stairway?
A stairway enclosed with fire-resistant construction (minimum REI 30) to prevent fire spread.
What are the fire safety requirements for healthcare buildings?
Multiple protected escape routes, horizontal evacuation strategies, and fire-safe compartmentation are required.
What are phased evacuation procedures?
A controlled evacuation where higher-risk occupants evacuate first, followed by others in stages.
What is a refuge area in fire safety?
A safe waiting area for disabled occupants in multi-storey buildings, typically in stair lobbies.
What are the fire safety provisions for basements?
Basements must have either a protected stairway leading to a final exit or an emergency escape route.
What are the fire safety requirements for atrium buildings?
Atriums must have smoke control measures, fire-resistant glazing, and automatic fire detection systems.
What are the fire safety considerations for large entertainment venues?
Increased exit capacity, multiple evacuation routes, and clearly marked fire exits are required.
What is the importance of emergency lighting in escape routes?
Ensures visibility in smoke-filled or power-loss situations, complying with BS 5266-1.
How does the stay-put evacuation strategy work in high-rise buildings?
Only the affected floor evacuates while others remain inside due to fire-resistant compartmentation.
What additional fire precautions apply to buildings with a single escape route?
Fire-resistant materials, smoke ventilation, and clearly marked exits are mandatory.
What fire safety measures apply to buildings with internal staircases?
Fire doors, pressurised stairwells, and smoke ventilation systems should be installed.
What fire escape considerations apply to buildings with sleeping occupants?
Escape routes must be clearly defined, protected, and have automatic fire detection in all sleeping rooms.
What fire safety requirements apply to schools and educational buildings?
Fire alarms must cover all classrooms and circulation spaces, and escape routes should accommodate large groups.
What are the fire escape provisions for high-risk industrial buildings?
Multiple exits, protected stairways, and external fire escape routes should be provided.
What is Requirement B2?
Requirement B2 aims to inhibit the spread of fire over internal linings of buildings.
Why are internal linings important in fire safety?
They can significantly affect flame spread, smoke production, and heat release in a fire.
What are internal linings in fire safety?
Materials used to line walls, ceilings, and partitions inside a building.
What classification standard is used for internal linings?
BS EN 13501-1 for European classifications; BS 476-7 for national classifications.
What is the minimum fire performance classification for walls and ceilings?
Euroclass B-s3, d2 or National Class 1 under BS 476-7.
Why is smoke production an important consideration for internal linings?
Excessive smoke can obscure escape routes and increase the risk of inhalation injuries.
What fire resistance classification is required for escape routes?
Class B-s3, d0 (Euroclass) or Class 0 (National), to prevent rapid fire spread.
What are thermoplastic materials, and how are they regulated?
They have high flammability and are restricted in certain locations, especially escape routes.
How are linings tested for fire performance?
By evaluating surface spread of flame, heat release, and smoke generation properties.
What are the fire safety requirements for large open-plan areas?
Internal linings must have higher resistance to flame spread to prevent rapid fire development.
What additional fire precautions apply to educational buildings?
Linings in schools must comply with stricter regulations to ensure safe evacuation of children.
What materials should be avoided as internal linings?
Highly combustible materials such as untreated timber, plastic, or foam unless specifically tested.
What fire safety concerns apply to decorative finishes?
They must be tested to ensure they do not increase flame spread or smoke generation.
What are the fire safety considerations for healthcare buildings?
Stricter regulations apply to reduce smoke production and flame spread, ensuring patient safety.
What classification is required for linings in high-risk buildings?
Euroclass A2-s3, d0 or National Class 0 to ensure minimal flame spread and smoke production.
What additional fire safety measures apply to linings in large entertainment venues?
Flame-retardant finishes and higher resistance classifications are required to prevent flashover.
How do different building uses affect internal lining fire safety requirements?
Buildings with high occupancy or vulnerable users require stricter fire performance classifications.
What fire safety concerns apply to industrial buildings?
Linings should have minimal flame spread and smoke production to prevent rapid fire growth.
What is the role of flame-retardant coatings on internal linings?
They can improve fire resistance but must be tested for long-term effectiveness.
What are the regulations for linings in circulation spaces such as stairwells?
Linings in circulation areas must meet stricter fire performance requirements to protect escape routes.
What is Requirement B3?
Requirement B3 ensures buildings prevent internal fire spread through structural integrity and compartmentation.
Why is structural fire resistance important?
To prevent premature collapse, protect escape routes, and limit fire spread between compartments.
What are the fire resistance requirements for loadbearing structures?
Minimum REI 30 for most buildings, with higher ratings required for taller or complex structures.
What is compartmentation in fire safety?
The subdivision of a building into fire-resistant compartments to limit fire and smoke spread.
What are the fire resistance requirements for compartment walls and floors?
Minimum REI 30 in standard buildings, increasing to REI 60 or more in multi-storey structures.
What is the purpose of cavity barriers?
To prevent fire and smoke from spreading through hidden spaces, such as wall cavities and floors.
Where must cavity barriers be installed?
At junctions between compartment walls and floors, around openings, and at intervals in large concealed spaces.
What fire resistance must cavity barriers provide?
Minimum E 30 or EI 15 depending on the location and building type.
What are the fire safety requirements for openings in compartment walls?
Openings must be protected with fire-resisting doorsets (minimum E 30) or other fire-stopping materials.
What is a protected shaft in fire safety?
A vertical enclosure for escape routes, lifts, or building services, designed to prevent fire spread.
What fire resistance is required for protected shafts?
Typically REI 60, increasing based on building height and function.
What are the fire resistance requirements for floors in multi-storey buildings?
Minimum REI 60 in buildings over three storeys, increasing based on occupancy and building use.
What are fire-stopping materials?
Materials used to seal gaps in fire-resistant structures to maintain their integrity, such as intumescent sealants and fire collars.
What is the purpose of structural fire protection?
To maintain building stability during a fire, preventing structural failure and allowing safe evacuation.
What are the requirements for fire doors in compartment walls?
Minimum E 30 or E 60, self-closing, and fitted with smoke seals.
What is the importance of preventing disproportionate collapse?
To ensure that fire does not lead to progressive structural failure in multi-storey buildings.
What additional fire resistance is required for high-rise commercial buildings?
REI 90 or REI 120 may be required depending on height, use, and local fire authority guidance.
How should fire safety measures be designed for buildings with atria?
Atria must be enclosed with fire-resistant materials, have smoke control systems, and include protected escape routes.
What fire resistance is required for separating walls between different building uses?
Minimum REI 60 to prevent fire spread between different functional spaces.
What fire resistance is required for stair enclosures in office buildings?
Minimum REI 60, with fire-resistant doors and smoke control measures.
What additional fire safety measures apply to industrial buildings?
Enhanced compartmentation, protected stairwells, and robust fire-stopping to limit fire spread.
What is a fire compartment floor?
A floor designed to prevent fire spread between storeys, typically with a minimum REI 60 rating.
What are the requirements for structural steel fire protection?
Steel structures must be coated with intumescent paint or encased in fire-resistant materials to prevent early collapse.
What fire resistance requirements apply to large public buildings?
Higher fire resistance is needed, often requiring REI 90 or more in high-occupancy areas.
What is Requirement B4?
Requirement B4 aims to restrict fire spread over external walls and between buildings.
What are the two key objectives of Requirement B4?
- Limit fire spread over external walls and roofs. 2. Prevent fire from spreading between buildings.
What factors influence external fire spread?
Material combustibility, proximity to other buildings, and ventilation openings.
What fire resistance is required for external walls near property boundaries?
Minimum REI 30 for walls within 1m of a boundary, increasing based on risk assessment.
What are the separation distance requirements for buildings?
Unprotected areas must be limited based on distance from property lines.
What is Regulation 7(2) and how does it relate to Requirement B4?
Regulation 7(2) bans combustible materials in the external walls of certain high-rise buildings.
What is the minimum fire resistance required for walls in buildings over 18m?
External walls must be constructed with materials achieving Euroclass A2-s1, d0 or better.
What is the fire safety concern with metal composite panels (MCM)?
Some MCM panels have combustible cores that can contribute to rapid fire spread.
How do balconies impact fire spread?
Combustible materials in balconies can spread fire between floors and must be controlled.
What is the Broof(t4) classification for roof coverings?
A fire resistance standard ensuring roofs do not spread external fire.
What is the required fire resistance for roofs near boundaries?
Roofs within 6m of a boundary should meet Broof(t4) or equivalent under BS EN 13501-5.
What fire stopping measures are required for external walls?
Cavity barriers must be installed at floor levels and around openings to limit fire spread.
What materials are commonly used in fire-resistant external walls?
Brick, concrete, stone, and fire-rated cladding systems meeting non-combustibility standards.
What is the role of external fire barriers?
They prevent fire spread in multi-storey buildings by compartmentalising façade systems.
What are the regulations regarding window openings in external walls?
Windows should be designed to limit fire spread and, in some cases, include fire-rated glazing.
What fire resistance is required for buildings with extensive glazing?
Fire-rated glazing or automatic fire shutters may be required to prevent external fire spread.
How does wind influence external fire spread?
Strong winds can accelerate fire spread along façades and require additional fire safety measures.
What additional fire safety measures apply to timber-framed buildings?
Enhanced fire barriers, fire-resistant cladding, and stricter separation distances are required.
What are the fire safety considerations for overhanging eaves and projections?
They must be constructed with fire-resistant materials if they are within 1m of another structure.
What are the requirements for external insulation in high-rise buildings?
Insulation materials must be non-combustible in buildings over 18m.
What additional precautions apply to high-rise commercial buildings?
Fire breaks must be installed between compartments, and non-combustible materials must be used.
How does façade geometry affect external fire spread?
Protrusions, recesses, and balconies can create fire traps and must be carefully designed.
What are the fire safety considerations for lightweight cladding systems?
Must meet non-combustibility requirements and be tested for fire resistance.
What additional requirements apply to external fire spread prevention in industrial buildings?
More extensive fire-resistant barriers and greater separation distances are needed due to increased fire loads.
What is Requirement B5?
Requirement B5 ensures that buildings provide adequate access and facilities for firefighting operations.
What are the two key objectives of Requirement B5?
- Provide sufficient access for fire service vehicles. 2. Ensure adequate facilities for firefighting personnel.
What are the vehicle access requirements for fire services?
Fire service vehicles must have clear access within specific distances from buildings, based on height and risk.
What is the minimum road width for fire service vehicle access?
Minimum 3.7m width for a fire engine route.
What are the access requirements for large commercial buildings?
Fire service vehicles should be able to get within 45m of any entrance for firefighter access.
What are the access requirements for high-rise buildings?
Buildings over 18m must have provisions for firefighting shafts, lifts, and vehicle access.
What is a firefighting shaft?
A protected vertical enclosure containing firefighting stairs, fire mains, and sometimes firefighting lifts.
When is a firefighting shaft required?
In buildings taller than 18m, large single-storey buildings, and complex structures where firefighting access is limited.
What are the requirements for firefighting lifts?
Required in buildings over 18m and in deep basements; must comply with BS EN 81-72.
What are fire mains and hydrants?
Fire mains provide water for firefighting; hydrants must be within 90m of building entrances.
What is the difference between dry and wet risers?
Dry risers are empty pipes for fire service use; wet risers are permanently filled with pressurised water.
When are dry and wet risers required?
Dry risers are required in buildings over 18m; wet risers in buildings over 50m.
What are the fire safety requirements for basements?
Basements deeper than 10m require smoke ventilation and dedicated firefighting access.
What is wayfinding signage for firefighters?
Signs that help fire crews identify floors and key locations in buildings over 11m.
What are the turning radius and access road width requirements for fire service vehicles?
Turning radius: minimum 16.8m; road width: minimum 3.7m for fire engine access.
What are the gradient requirements for fire service access roads?
Maximum gradient 1 in 12 (8.3%) to ensure safe vehicle access.
What are the fire safety requirements for protected staircases?
They must be fire-resistant (REI 60 or more) and provide safe access for firefighting teams.
What is the minimum fire resistance for doors leading to firefighting shafts?
Minimum E 30 or E 60 depending on building height and purpose.
What are the smoke ventilation requirements for firefighting stairs?
Staircases in high-rise buildings must be provided with automatic smoke ventilation systems.
What is the role of pressurised stairwells in fire safety?
They prevent smoke ingress by maintaining positive air pressure inside stair enclosures.
What are the fire safety requirements for firefighting lobbies?
They must be at least 1.5m x 1.5m and be separated from stairwells by fire-resistant construction.
What additional fire safety measures apply to buildings over 50m?
Wet risers, pressurised stairwells, firefighting lifts, and enhanced wayfinding signage are required.
What are the emergency access requirements for shopping centres?
Multiple firefighting shafts, sprinkler systems, and clear fire vehicle access must be provided.
What are the fire safety provisions for hospitals and care homes?
Firefighting lifts, protected stairwells, and progressive horizontal evacuation plans are required.
What are the requirements for emergency escape routes in large industrial buildings?
Wider staircases, protected corridors, and direct external fire exits must be provided.
What is Regulation 38?
Regulation 38 requires that fire safety information is handed over to the building owner upon project completion.
Why is Regulation 38 important?
It ensures that responsible persons have the necessary fire safety details to maintain compliance and safety.
Who must comply with Regulation 38?
Designers, developers, and contractors must ensure fire safety information is provided to the building owner or responsible person.
What fire safety information must be provided under Regulation 38?
Fire strategy, fire-resistant materials, escape routes, fire alarm systems, and maintenance requirements.
What buildings are covered under Regulation 38?
All buildings where fire safety information is necessary for compliance with the Fire Safety Order.
What is the purpose of Appendix A in Approved Document B?
Appendix A provides definitions and classifications for fire-resisting elements and materials.
What does REI stand for in fire resistance classifications?
REI refers to Resistance (load-bearing), Integrity (fire containment), and Insulation (heat resistance).
What are the common fire resistance periods specified in Approved Document B?
30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, depending on the building type and risk assessment.
What is the role of Appendix B in Approved Document B?
Appendix B covers fire doorsets, including their installation, testing, and performance standards.
What are the fire resistance requirements for fire doors?
Fire doors must be rated as E 30, E 60, EI 30, or EI 60, depending on their location and function.
What is the purpose of Appendix C in Approved Document B?
Appendix C specifies methods for measuring and assessing the fire performance of materials and construction elements.
What is included in Appendix D of Approved Document B?
Appendix D provides guidance on fire test standards and classifications for construction materials.
What is Appendix E about?
Appendix E outlines fire alarm and detection system requirements based on BS 5839-1.
What are the requirements for sprinklers in non-domestic buildings under Appendix F?
Sprinklers are required in some large and high-risk buildings, such as care homes and high-rise commercial premises.
What is Appendix G concerned with?
Appendix G covers the requirements for smoke and heat alarms, including placement and testing.
What are the fire safety documentation requirements for complex buildings?
A full fire strategy report detailing compartmentation, escape routes, and fire safety systems must be provided.
How should fire safety information be transferred to building occupants?
Through a fire safety manual that includes maintenance schedules and emergency procedures.
What is the Golden Thread of fire safety?
A digital record-keeping system ensuring that fire safety information is maintained throughout the building’s lifecycle.
What fire safety considerations apply to refurbishment projects under Regulation 38?
Updated fire safety information must be provided when significant alterations affect fire strategy.
What are the enforcement actions for failing to comply with Regulation 38?
Building control bodies may refuse completion certificates or issue enforcement notices for non-compliance.
How do fire risk assessments relate to Regulation 38?
Fire risk assessments must be updated when fire safety information changes to ensure ongoing compliance.
What are the record-keeping requirements for fire safety under Regulation 38?
All fire safety information should be kept for the building’s lifetime and be accessible to relevant authorities.
How should fire safety information be maintained in large multi-occupancy buildings?
It should be stored digitally and made available to residents, fire services, and building managers.
What role does the building owner play in fire safety compliance after handover?
The building owner is responsible for maintaining fire safety measures and keeping records up to date.
