1. Conference 2015 Chris Barry, B.Sc. M.Sc. Pg. Dip. F.S.P. N.D.F.E.M.
Review of T.G.D. Part B: Fire Safety
Conference 2015

2. ~ General overview of T.G.D. Part B ~ Provision of Community Dwellings
Presentation Objectives
~ General overview of T.G.D. Part B
~ Provision of Community Dwellings
~ Impact on Healthcare Nursing Homes
~ Provisions for Persons with Disabilities

3. Rationale for the review of T.G.D. Part B Fire Safety
The current version of T.G.D. Part B was published by the
Minister for the Environment Community and Local
Government in 2006,following some amendments to the
previous 1997 version. The 2006 amendments were relatively
limited in scope and much of the provisions of the1997 version
were retained
Main reasons for the review
-now 18 yrs. since a substantial review
-Developments in materials and methods of construction
-Changes in other T.G.D.
-Update provisions – codes of practice
-Developments in international fire safety standards
- EU regulations

4. Overall Approach Conservative Potential Incremental Impact
Proportionate
Potential
Impact

5. Governing Principals Protection of life
Occupants escape safely without external assistance
No reliance on external rescue by fire service
Normally a Single fire in building
Assumes occupants with disabilities

6. Inputs to the Review TGD Part B Research/ Discussions
Stakeholders Conference
Public
consultation
proposals
Review steering group meetings
Conferences/
Professional
networking
Reports

7. Review Process How proposal is expected to solve problem
Approach of similar jurisdictions
Effect of any change
Evidence of existence of problem
Alternatives explored:
accepted or rejected A

8. T.G.D. Part B Regulatory Framework
Building Control Acts1990 & 2007
Building Regulations
Building Control Regulations
Fire Safety Certificate
Part B – Fire Safety
Commencement notice
Technical Guidance Document
Part B Fire Safety2006
Certificate of compliance on completion

10. Main proposed amendments: General
Format
Provision for two volumes-Vol.1 Dwellings, Vol.2-Buildings other than dwellings
General updating referenced standards/C.O.P.s
Definitions in a single section ,
Additional Diagrams

11. Vol.1 Dwellings: P.G. 1(a) ,1(b),1(d)
Windows for escape or rescue-angled approach deleted
Replacement of windows for escape or rescue-change in emphasis “should meet” replaces “recommended”
New requirement for “thumb turn” latches without the use of a key in domestic dwellings
Fire appliance access distance amended to “45m from all points within the house” (new dwellings)
New provision for isolation of P.V panels (ET101)

12. Dwellings: Community Dwellings P.G 1(d)
New reference to provisions in I.S –current ref to BS
Provision of L2 category F.A.D.S. in dwellings – increase in coverage
Community Dwellings P.G.1(d) F.S.C Required – no D.A.C. required
Community Dwellings- Additional provisions in Vol.1 plus Ref to Proposed HSE C.O.P- (Management issues )
150m2 max. area on upper floors,3 Storey limit ,no basement
Provision of Fire Doors, Fire resisting enclosure,
Provision of signage and emergency light(s),

13. Healthcare: Nursing Homes
New minimum requirement for sprinklers in Nursing Homes of any height
BS 9251:2014 Protection of Life
Additional limits on beds per compartment 10no.
Provision of free swing doors
Hospitals continue reference to HTM B1 Means of escape
Existing provision for sprinklers at 30m height

14. Main proposed amendments: General Disability Issues
New provision of evacuation lifts at 18m height (fire fighting lifts)
Enhanced reference to provision of refuges in body of
text (1.4.15)
Expansion of provisions for facilities in refuge areas -communications etc.
Door widths: method of measurement of door width redefined to include door hardware.
B1 Door Fastenings-New reference to electrically powered locks and new reference to FprEN & EN – Now Applies to all Purpose Groups ( )

15. Thank you