The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has released an updated version of Approved Document B (Fire safety) for both Volume 1 (Dwellings) and Volume 2 (Buildings other than dwellings) of the Building Regulations. These consolidated versions incorporate the 2019 edition with the 2020 and 2022 amendments, as well as the upcoming amendments for 2025, 2026, and 2029 - access them here.
The updated documents use a colour-coding system to indicate when amendments take effect:
Blue: 2025 amendments (effective March 2, 2025)
- Focus on Regulation 38 and fire safety information
- Removal of national classes for reaction to fire and roofs
- New provisions for sprinklers in care homes
Purple: 2026 amendments (effective September 30, 2026)
- Recommendation for multiple common stairs in blocks of flats 18m or taller
- Building design provisions to support evacuation lifts in blocks of flats
Orange: 2029 amendments (effective September 2, 2029)
- Removal of national classes for fire resistance
These changes, were first announced in a parliamentary statement on September 2, 2024