The Fire Sector Federation says it is working to shape future policy and strategy related to the UK Fire Sector, and has commissioned a study from NBS Research in order to understand the fire and construction industry’s views about the future of Approved Document B (AD B) on fire safety. The research is carried out in accordance with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct. Along with a 12-person strong Steering Group, the FSF said it planned for the surveys launch in June 2017 and said it is aimed at a wide variety of stakeholders across the fire and construction industries asking for views on:
- Whether or not a review of AD B should be carried out.
- Whether the current technical scope of AD B is ‘fit for purpose’.
- What improvements could be made to AD B to ‘future proof’ it, so that it aligns with innovation and technological changes with today’s built environment.
The FSF says it commissioned this research in March 2017 and therefore it is not in direct response to the recent tragedy at Grenfell Tower. The Federation says that it felt that this survey was already needed prior to the tragedy but that, given the recent events, this survey has taken on additional significance.
The FSF acknowledges that this is a sensitive time; however, it believes this survey will be used as an important and collective tool to gather specific feedback and views on the practical guidance in Approved Document B to meet the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations in England.
The survey findings will be analysed by NBS and the FSF. It will form the basis of a submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to help those responsible for making sure Building Regulations and AD B are as effective as possible.
You can take part in the survey here.
