§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the extent to which the changes proposed in his Department's amendments to approved document B of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) will affect levels of life safety.
§ Mr. YeoThe consultation proposals for amendments to part B, "Safety in Fire" of the Building Regulations 1985 incorporate a number of provisions to improve levels of life safety. These include the new requirements relating to access and facilities for the fire service, the extension of the means of escape requirements and the proposals relating to smoke alarms in dwellings. A number of those who have commented have suggested that other proposals, such as those relating to the reduction of fire resistance periods, reduce levels of life safety, and these comments are being carefully examined by the fire advisory panel and the building regulations advisory committee.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made of the effect that the larger compartment sizes proposed in his Department's amendments to approved document B of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) will have on means of escape planning and the evacuation of a building in the event of fire with particular regard to maximum travel distances.
§ Mr. YeoThe consultation proposals for amendments to part B, "Safety in Fire", of the Building Regulations 1985 incorporate detailed practical guidance relating to means of escape, including the provision and protection of escape routes, and maximum travel distances for escape purposes. This guidance is not affected by the proposals relating to compartmentation, as maximum travel distances are measured to a protected escape route or final exit, regardless of compartment size.