Amendments to Approved Documents (WGC 010/2020)

The Building Act 1984

The Building Regulations 2010

Amendments to Approved Documents

1. I am directed by Welsh Ministers to draw your attention to the publication of Approved Document B (Fire Safety), Volume 1: Dwellinghouses 2006 edition incorporating 2010, 2016 and 2020 amendments, Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellinghouses 2006 edition incorporating 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2020 amendments and Approved Document 7 (Materials and Workmanship) 2013 edition incorporating 2020 amendments.
2. The changes made to the Approved Documents only apply to buildings and building work in Wales.
3. The purpose of this Circular is to draw attention to

i.   Amendments to Appendix A (Performance of materials, products and structures) of Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 1 and 2. The Approved Document has been amended to strengthen the provisions for assessments in lieu of fire tests.

ii. The incorporation of the content of the amendment slip made in circular WGC 003/2020 to Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 1 Dwellinghouses, Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 2 Buildings other than dwellinghouses and Approved Document 7 (Materials and Workmanship).WGC 003/2020

iii. The incorporation of the content of the amendment slip made in circular WG 011/2017 in relation to Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 2 WG 011/2017 

​4.      In relation to 3.i. above, the Approved Document has been amended to strengthen the requirements when providing assessments in lieu of fire tests. The amendment specifies three routes to demonstrate compliance.

5.      The previous provision listed a number of ways to demonstrate performance, for example reference to nominal performances such as Eurocode, BR 128. The revised provision has generalised the test methodologies, and specific routes previously mentioned fall within the three revised routes for compliance.

6.      Although existing routes to compliance have been retained the amendments to the Approved Documents ensure that assessments should not be regarded as a way to avoid a test where one is necessary

7.      3.ii. and 3.iii. above, update the Approved Documents to include previous changes made to Approved Document B Volumes 1 and 2 and Approved Document 7 through the issue of amendments slips.

8.      The amended Approved Documents will come into force on 31 December 2020 in the circumstances set out in the formal notice of approval in ANNEX A to this Circular.

9.      Approved Document B (Fire Safety) Volume 1: Dwellinghouses 2006 edition incorporating 2010 and 2016 amendments and Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellinghouses 2006 edition incorporating 2010, 2013 and 2016 amendments and Approved Document 7 (Materials and Workmanship) 2013 edition will be withdrawn on 31 December 2020 as set out in ANNEX B of this circular.

10.    Further to Section 6 (3) (b) of the Building Act 1984, in relation to 3.i. above, amendments to Appendix A (Performance of materials, products and structures) of Approved Document B (Fire safety) Volume 1 and 2 will come into force on 31 December 2020. The amendments do not apply in any case where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with, a local authority before 31 December 2020.

11.    In accordance with section 6(3) and (4) of the Building Act 1984, Welsh Ministers approve the amendments being made having consulted with the Building Regulations Advisory Committee for Wales.

12.    This circular does not give advice on the technical requirements in the Building Regulations 2010 as these are matters covered by Approved Documents being amended.

Any enquiries on this Circular Letter should be addressed to:

Francois Samuel, Building Regulations, Welsh Government, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ.

Telephone: 03000 628232.

E mail             enquiries.brconstruction@gov.wales

Yours faithfully,

Francois Samuel

Head of Building Regulations