The Passive Fire Protection Federation (PFPF) believes there is insufficient awareness of the need to pass on vital fire safety information on completion of a building.
Under Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations the person carrying out the work is required to pass on fire safety information of a building to the responsible person, as defined by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The information required relates to the design and construction of the building or extension, and the services, fittings and equipment provided, which will assist the responsible person to operate and maintain the building or extension with reasonable safety.
“[Approved Document B] provides excellent guidance right through the construction phase of a building and on into its time of occupation,” said PFPF chairman David Sugden. “Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations points people to third party certification to ensure the use of quality products and installers, while Regulation 38 requires information on what has been installed to be given to the responsible person.
“Regulation 38 is not just a recommendation, it is a requirement, since this information can greatly improve the building occupier’s understanding of the safety precautions installed within a building,” said Mr Sugden.
