Approved Document B

About Approved Document B

Approved Document B gives guidance on fire safety in buildings, with separate guidance for dwellings and for buildings other than dwellings. It covers warning and escape, how fire spread is limited inside and outside a building, and access for the fire and rescue service.

What it covers

• Fire detection, alarms and means of escape
• Fire spread over internal wall and ceiling linings
• Fire resistance of the structure and division of buildings into compartments
• Fire spread between buildings, across external walls and over roofs
• Access and facilities for the fire and rescue service
• Sprinklers and other appendices common to more than one requirement

• Read our guide to Approved Document B
• Read our guide to fire strategy reports