Regulatory Requirements
The construction industry in the UK is subject to a set of regulations and approved documents which govern the construction of new buildings and the safety of the occupants. These include Regulation 7 (Building Regulations 2010) and Approved Document B, which determine the minimum fire classifications for façade materials used on relevant buildings of 18 metres or more in height. Regulation 7 deals specifically with materials and workmanship in the construction of new buildings and is legally binding. It requires that building work be carried out using appropriate materials that meet the statutory requirements and are installed correctly to ensure compliance.
Specifically, Regulation 7 states that,
“….building work shall be carried out so that materials which become part of an external wall, or specified attachment, of a relevant building, are of European Classification A2-s1, d0 or Class A1, classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2007” Some products are excluded from this requirement, including membranes, gaskets, seals etc; but this means exclusion from the requirement for class A2-s1, d0 or A1 - it does NOT mean exclusion from a fire classification altogether. This is confirmed in Approved Document B, which says:
“10.21 (a) Membranes used as part of the external wall construction above ground level should achieve a minimum of class B-s3, d0.”
This is applicable to “relevant buildings” which are defined as those over 18 metres high and have one or more dwellings or rooms for residential purposes/sleeping accommodation, eg. sheltered housing, student accommodation, care homes, hospitals, hotels, institutions etc. Approved Document B is a government document that provides clarity on the requirements of Regulation 7, set by the Secretary of State. It is important to understand that any deviation from Regulation 7 or Approved Document B, requires a written dispensation from Local Authority Building Control. No other body, organisation or industry professional can sign off on this decision.
Version: 06.U.06.10.01.01
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