§ Ms KinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes he proposes to make to the building regulations in England and Wales to improve fire safety in buildings. [21092]
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§ Mr. RaynsfordI am issuing today a consultation paper which sets out proposed changes to the Approved Document which is published in support of Part B of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 1991, covering fire safety matters.
The changes reflect experience of significant fires in buildings since the document was last revised as well as changes in construction practice. The text also reflects changes made to improve the clarity of the guidance in the light of queries received upon it.
Amongst the changes proposed are a requirement for sprinklers to be installed in large single storey retail premises, and restrictions on the use of certain thermoplastic cored products with good insulation properties used in food processing factories and elsewhere. Both of these proposals have been brought forward with the safety of firefighters in mind as well as building users.
Other changes include restrictions on the use of certain materials in lighting diffusers, and in respect of dwellings, additional guidance on the siting and installation of smoke alarms, including in loft conversions, and on the provision of suitable escape windows in habitable rooms.
I am placing a copy of the consultation paper in the Library, comments on these proposals have been invited by 31 March 1998.