The revisions to the Building Regulations and supporting guidance in Approved Document B reflect developments in construction and recent experiences of actual fires.
 
The changes, which come into force on 6 April 2007, will affect future building work in England and Wales, such as the erection, extension or alteration of a building, and how fire safety is designed into it.

The changes will also include amendments to the guidance on domestic loft conversions, the use of door-closing devices in dwellings and the provision of sprinklers in tall blocks of flats.
 
For non-domestic buildings, the changes include the introduction of a maximum unsprinklered compartment size for single storey warehouses, new guidance on residential care homes and a new requirement to ensure occupiers are made aware of their building's fire protection measures.
 
Fire and Building Regulations Minister Angela Smith, said: "This package represents better, more focussed regulation that will deliver real benefits for both occupants and fire fighters alike. Indeed the review that led to the changes looked at fire safety in all types of premises including dwellings, residential care homes, public buildings and warehouses. It also considered the important role sprinklers and other types of fire protection measures may have, particularly in buildings where the occupants are most at risk from fire."
 
The changes to the Building Regulations also include the authorisation of several new competent persons self-certification schemes that will enhance compliance, particularly in respect of the energy efficiency requirements of the Regulations, and a number of other minor amendments, which will come into force on 15 January 2007.