Continuous review of Approved Document B
The Building Safety Regulator continually reviews and updates Approved Document B so fire guidance stays clear, proportionate and up to date.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) keeps Approved Document B (ADB) under continuous review.
The government updates fire safety guidance regularly to so it remains clear, proportionate and adapts to changes in building design, materials and technology.
Outputs from the continuous review are added to this page.
What the continuous review is
The continuous review is an ongoing process to keep ADB transparent, current and evidence based. It allows BSR to understand how new materials, technologies and construction methods affect fire safety, and whether guidance needs to change.
Through this work we aim to give the construction industry information that is reliable and easy for duty holders to understand. We do this by:
- investing in research and sharing the results
- monitoring new and emerging trends in the built environment
- engaging with industry and professional groups
Why the continuous review is needed
The built environment is constantly evolving and ADB must continue to give clear and practical advice for the construction industry to meet the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations 2010.
The continuous review gives industry clarity by planning changes at regular intervals. This helps keep the guidance up to date, clear and proportionate. It is supported by ongoing work with industry, academics and experts.
How BSR gathers evidence for the review
Continuous review research
BSR continues to invest in fire safety research for updating ADB. This follows the 2018 call for evidence and supports the technical review of the guidance and the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Real fires research and investigations
BSR has a long-standing programme to investigate real fire events. This helps identify emerging issues and supports the technical review of ADB.
Read the detailed research on real fire investigations.
Guidance and engagement
BSR engages with the construction industry, academics and other interested parties to understand new developments and current issues. This helps identify where guidance may need to change.
BSR also works with relevant government departments, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
Background
In April 2020, the government published a plan for a full technical review of ADB and the scientific evidence behind it. The scope of this review was informed by the 2018 call for evidence.
A workplan set out research themes and the expected timing of different phases.
The final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry made clear that ADB must not remain static. The government committed BSR to keeping the fire safety guidance within ADB under continuous review.