This part is split into a number to sections to cover fire safety related matters within and around dwellings. This includes: the satisfactory means of giving warning and means of escape in case of fire; stopping the spread of fire over internal and external linings; ensuring the stability of buildings in the event of a fire; and to ensure satisfactory access for fire appliances to buildings and facilities within dwellings.
Approved Document B Volume 1
2019 edition incorporating 2020, 2022 and 2025 amendments and forthcoming 2026 and 2029 changes: Valid from 2 March 2025
PDF file: 3.91 MB, 206 pages
September 2026 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 30 September 2026
This document contains amendments to the following Approved Document:
Approved Document B: Fire safety
Volume 1 – Dwellings
Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings
2019 edition incorporating the 2020, 2022 and 2025 amendments
PDF file: 246 KB, 13 pages
September 2029 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 2 September 2029
This document contains amendments to the following Approved Document:
Approved Document B: Fire safety
Volume 1 – Dwellings
Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings
2019 edition incorporating the 2020, 2022, 2025 and 2026 amendments
PDF file: 455 KB, 40 pages
The requirements in this edition of Approved Document B – Volume 1 are as follows:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
The building shall be designed and constructed so that there are appropriate provisions for the early warning of fire, and appropriate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building capable of being safely and effectively used at all material times.
Limits on application
Requirement B1 does not apply to any prison provided under section 33 of the Prisons Act 1952(a) (power to provide prisons etc).
(a) 1952 c. 52; section 33 was amended by section 100 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33) and by S.I. 1963/597.
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
(1) To inhibit the spread of fire within the building the internal linings shall:
(a) adequately resist the spread of flame over their surfaces; and
(b) have, if ignited, a rate of heat release or a rate of fire growth, which is reasonable in the circumstances.
(2) In this paragraph ‘internal linings’ means the materials or products used in lining any partition, wall, ceiling or other internal structure.
Limits on application
None
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
(1) The building shall be designed and constructed so that, in the event of fire, its stability will be maintained for a reasonable period.
(2) A wall common to two or more buildings shall be designed and constructed so that it adequately resists the spread of fire between those buildings. For the purposes of this sub-paragraph a house in a terrace and a semi-detached house are each to be treated as a separate building.
(3) Where reasonably necessary to inhibit the spread of fire within the building, measures shall be taken, to an extent appropriate to the size and intended use of the building, comprising either or both of the following:
(a) sub-division of the building with fire-resisting construction;
(b) installation of suitable automatic fire suppression systems.
(4) The building shall be designed and constructed so that the unseen spread of fire and smoke within concealed spaces in its structure and fabric is inhibited.
Limits on application
Requirement B3(3) does not apply to material alterations to any prison provided under section 33 of the Prisons Act 1952.
B4 – External fire spread
(1) The external walls of the building shall adequately resist the spread of fire over the walls and from one building to another, having regard to the height, use and position of the building.
(2) The roof of the building shall adequately resist the spread of fire over the roof and from one building to another, having regard to the use and position of the building.
Limits on application
None
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
(1) The building shall be designed and constructed so as to provide reasonable facilities to assist firefighters in the protection of life.
(2) Reasonable provision shall be made within the site of the building to enable fire appliances to gain access to the building.
Limits on application
None
Archived copies of Approved Document B
Approved Document B Volume 1 – 2019 edition incorporating 2020 and 2022 amendments and forthcoming 2025, 2026 and 2029 changes
Valid from 2 March 2025 (now incorporated into the current edition)
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 7.73 MB, 228 pages
March 2025 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 2 March 2025 (now incorporated into the current edition)
This document contains amendments to the following Approved Document:
Approved Document B: Fire safety
Volume 1 – Dwellings
Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings
2019 edition incorporating the 2020 and 2022 amendments
PDF file: 233 KB, 22 pages
Approved Document B Volume 1 – 2019 edition incorporating 2020 and 2022 amendments
Valid from 1 December 2022 until 2 March 2025
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 3.11 MB, 180 pages
Approved Document B Volume 1 – 2019 edition incorporating 2020 amendments
Valid from 26 November 2020 until 1 December 2022
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 3.08 MB, 180 pages
May 2020 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 26 November 2020 until 1 December 2022
PDF file: 173 KB, 12 pages
Approved Document B Volume 1 – 2019 edition
Valid from 30 August 2019 until 26 November 2020
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 2.73 MB, 180 pages
September 2019 corrections to the Approved Documents
Valid from 30 August 2019 until 26 November 2020
PDF file: 206 KB, 5 pages
Approved Document B Volume 1 – 2006 edition incorporating 2007, 2010, 2013, November 2018 and December 2018 amendments
Valid from April 2019 until 30 August 2019
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 2.28 MB, 84 pages
April 2019 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 16 April 2019 until 30 August 2019
PDF file: 360 KB, 20 pages
December 2018 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 21 January 2019 until 16 April 2019
PDF file: 132 KB, 12 pages
Approved Document B Volume 1 – 2006 edition incorporating 2010 and 2013 amendments
Valid from 6 April 2013 until April 2019
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 2.97 MB, 84 pages
2013 amendments to the Approved Documents
Valid from 6 April 2013
PDF file: 478 KB, 54 pages
Approved Document B Volume 1 – 2006 edition incorporating 2010 amendments
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2013
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 2.44 MB, 86 pages
October 2010 Amendments to the Approved Documents and Compliance Guides
Valid from 1 October 2010 until 6 April 2013
PDF file: 124 KB, 4 pages
March 2010 revisions and corrections to Approved Document B Volumes 1 and 2 (2006 editions)
Valid from March 2010 until 1 October 2010
PDF file: 1.03 MB, 8 pages
Approved Document B Volume 1 – 2006 edition
Valid from 6 April 2007 until 1 October 2010
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 2.16 MB, 80 pages
Approved Document B – 2000 edition incorporating 2000 and 2002 amendments
Valid from 1 March 2003 until 6 April 2007
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 9.54 MB, 162 pages
March 2002 amendments to Approved Document B
Valid from 1 March 2003 until 6 April 2007
PDF file: 342 KB, 33 pages
Approved Document B – 2000 edition
Valid from 1 July 2000 until 1 March 2003
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
PDF file: 1.72 MB, 151 pages
Approved Document B – 1992 edition
Valid from 1 June 1992 until 1 July 2000
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of warning and escape
B2 – Internal fire spread (linings)
B3 – Internal fire spread (structure)
B4 – External fire spread
B5 – Access and facilities for the fire service
No download currently available
Mandatory rules for means of escape in case of fire – 1985 edition
Valid from 11 November 1985 until 1 June 1992
The requirements in this edition were:
B1 – Means of escape
PDF file: 1.30 MB, 11 pages
Approved Document B – 1985 edition
Valid from 11 November 1985 until 1 June 1992
The requirements in this edition were:
B2/3/4 – Fire spread
No download currently available