Approved Doc B - are you compliant?

The key impacts of the 2022 updates

Regulations:

In the UK, there are several regulations and standards in place to regulate the construction of buildings.

Building Regulations 2010

In the cladding world we follow Building Regulations 2010 which is a set of regulations in England and Wales that govern the construction and alteration of buildings. They are enforced by local authorities and aim to ensure that buildings are safe, energy efficient, and accessible. The regulations apply to most building work, including new builds, extensions, major renovations and remediation work. They cover a wide range of topics including structure, fire safety, ventilation, drainage, energy efficiency, and accessibility.

Building Regulations 2010 is regularly updated to reflect changes in technology, construction methods, and best practices. It is important for building owners, developers, and contractors to be aware of the regulations and ensure that their projects comply with them. Failure to comply with the Building Regulations can result in enforcement action, including fines and the requirement to correct any non-compliant work.

T&T Facades & T&T Cladding Remediation employ in-house experts whose role it is to continually monitor any updates in regulations and policies to ensure all projects we are involved in comply 100% to the current regulations and guidelines.

A key component of Building Regulations 2010, pertinent to cladding contractors and those involved in the design, supply and installation of a building's external wall is Approved Document B.

Approved Document B

This is a document that provides guidance on fire safety regulations in buildings in England and Wales. It is published by the UK government's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and is part of the Building Regulations.

The document is divided into two volumes, Volume 1 and Volume 2. Volume 1 deals with residential dwellings, while Volume 2 deals with buildings other than residential dwellings. The document sets out the minimum requirements for fire safety that must be met in these buildings to comply with the Building Regulations.

Key topics covered in relation to cladding include:

Structural fire protection: This section covers the fire resistance of building elements such as walls, floors, and ceilings.

External fire spread: This section covers the prevention of external fire spread, such as through the use of fire-resistant cladding materials.

Amendments to Approved Document B – 1^st December 2022

The Government released amendments to Approved Document B which came into force on 1st December 2022.

Main changes, pertinent to external walls:

o A blanket ban of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings: Consequential amendments following the laying of the Building (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022. Prior to this the preferred method of demonstrating compliance was via a fire test carried out in accordance with BS8414. The test was to be carried out by an independent UKAS accredited testing body.

o ACM with an unmodified polyethylene core has been banned from use on all buildings.

o The inclusion of Hotels in the definition of relevant buildings with regards to Regulation 7(2), this means hotels over 18m in height will have to be constructed with external walls materials attaining A2s1d0 or better.

o The exemptions to Regulation 7(2), contained in Regulation 7(3), have been clarified to overcome issues with roof junctions to external walls, the transition from exempt below ground walls to the controlled above ground external wall giving a 300mm zone to affect the transition and the installation of fibre optics.

The updates offered a transition period of six months, meaning to not be controlled by the amendments you will have needed to make your building regulation application before that date and commence on site prior to 1st June 2023.

Regulation 7

Regulation 7 is a section of the UK's Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that specifically relates to fire safety in buildings.

When planning a cladding project, it's essential to ensure that the chosen cladding system meets the requirements of regulation 7 as well as the required fire rating for the building's height and intended use. This is particularly important for high-rise buildings, where fire can spread quickly through the building and cause significant damage and loss of life.

Regulation 7 requires that the responsible person (usually the building owner or employer) appoints one or more competent persons to assist in undertaking the preventive and protective measures necessary to comply with the Order.

The competent person(s) appointed under Regulation 7 must have sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to assist in ensuring that the building is safe from the risk of fire. They must also have the authority to implement and maintain fire safety measures, as well as the ability to identify and assess the fire risks in the building.

Overall, Regulation 7 plays an important role in ensuring that fire safety measures are effectively implemented and maintained in buildings to reduce the risk of fire and protect the safety of occupants.

For anyone embarking on a cladding project it pays to consult a specialist cladding contractor such as T&T Facades / T&T Cladding Remediation with the knowledge and expertise to ensure compliance.

Call 01329 889408 or email estimating@ttfacades.co.uk / estimating@ttcladdingremediation.co.uk

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CLADDING REMEDIATION SOLUTIONS: KEY STRATEGIES FOR COMPLIANCE AND SAFETY

by Mo Morgan • 9 January 2025

Understanding the Importance of Cladding Remediation Cladding remediation is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of buildings, particularly in the wake of incidents involving fire safety and structural failures. The materials used in cladding systems can significantly affect the overall fire performance of a building, making it imperative to assess and rectify any potential hazards. The primary goal is to protect residents and occupants from potential fire hazards and improve the overall resilience of the structure. Moreover, cladding remediation plays a significant role in maintaining property value and compliance with evolving safety regulations. Addressing cladding issues proactively can prevent costly legal disputes and enhance public trust in building safety. Key Regulations and Standards for Cladding Safety The regulatory landscape surrounding cladding safety is complex, with various standards and guidelines in place to ensure building safety. In the UK, the Building Regulations 2010, particularly Approved Document B, provides essential guidance on fire safety in buildings, including the specifications for cladding materials. Additionally, the National Fire Safety Framework outlines the responsibilities of building owners and managers in maintaining safety standards. Familiarity with these regulations is vital for ensuring compliance and minimising risks associated with cladding. Regular audits and assessments by qualified professionals can help identify non-compliant cladding and provide recommendations for necessary upgrades. Staying informed about regulatory changes is vital for maintaining compliance and ensuring safety. Identifying Common Cladding Materials and Their Risks Common cladding materials include aluminium composite panels (ACPs), high-pressure laminate (HPL), and various types of insulation. While these materials are popular for their aesthetic appeal and thermal efficiency, they may pose substantial fire risks, particularly if they lack adequate fire-resistant properties. It's essential for building owners and managers to conduct thorough assessments to identify the specific cladding materials used and understand their associated risks. This knowledge is the first step toward implementing effective remediation strategies. Implementing Effective Remediation Techniques Effective cladding remediation techniques vary depending on the materials used and the specific risks identified. Common approaches include replacing non-compliant cladding with fire-resistant alternatives, retrofitting existing systems with fire barriers, and improving insulation materials, while maintaining aesthetic qualities. Furthermore, advanced technologies such as drone inspections and 3D modelling are being employed to assess the condition of cladding systems more accurately. These methods not only improve the efficiency of inspections but also facilitate better planning for remediation projects. The Role of Professional Assessment and Consultation Engaging professional contractors for cladding assessment and consultation is essential in identifying risks and developing appropriate remediation strategies. Qualified assessors can conduct thorough evaluations of existing cladding systems, providing critical insights into potential vulnerabilities. Thorough planning and execution can significantly mitigate risks associated with poor cladding. Professional consultants can also assist in navigating the regulatory landscape, ensuring that any remediation plans comply with current standards. Their expertise can lead to more effective solutions and ultimately safeguard the lives of building occupants. Ensuring Ongoing Safety and Maintenance Post-Remediation Post-remediation, ongoing safety and maintenance are vital to ensure that the building remains safe over time. Regular inspections and maintenance checks should be conducted to identify any potential issues that may arise with the cladding or associated systems. Additionally, educating occupants about fire safety measures and the importance of reporting any concerns can contribute to a safer living environment. A proactive approach to safety will not only protect lives but also enhance the longevity and performance of the building. Future Trends in Cladding Remediation and Safety Compliance As awareness of cladding safety continues to grow, future trends in remediation are likely to focus on sustainability and technological advancements. The integration of eco-friendly materials into cladding systems is becoming increasingly popular, aligning with broader environmental goals. Additionally, the use of smart building technologies to monitor the condition of cladding and detect potential issues in real-time is on the rise. These advancements not only enhance safety but also promote proactive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of serious incidents.