Guidance has been published for the house building industry ahead of new regulations on fire suppression systems coming into effect next year from the Scottish Government.
The changes mean all new-build social homes, flats, and shared multi-occupied residential buildings must be fitted with automatic fire suppression systems from March 2021. Previously, this was only required in new high-rise blocks of flats above 18 metres.
It comes after David Stewart MSP proposed a private members Bill to improve safety in new social housing following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.
A number of outreach events are being held with providers of new homes in the run-up to implementation next March.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I am very grateful to David Stewart MSP for his work on bringing this important issue forward and gaining cross-parliament support.
“The increased requirements for automatic fire suppression systems will further improve fire safety for thousands of new homes each year. These systems have been proven to save lives and it is right that we now make these changes.
“We will continue to work closely with housing providers to make sure there is wide awareness of what is required ahead of the new regulations coming into effect.”
Stuart Stevens, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer, said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service welcomes the amended regulations and the increased provision of automatic fire suppression systems. This provision is a significant step forward in fire safety and will increase the safety of our communities, residents and firefighters.”
Building Standards Technical Handbooks 2020: Summary of Changes is available here.
An update to Approved Document B in the Building Regulations for England and Wales also mandated sprinklers to be fitted in buildings above 11m (the trigger height was previously 30m) in November.
This news story is in partnership with Barbour EHS, a specialist information service provider supporting professionals across sectors including fire and security, FM, health and safety, sustainability and energy.
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