Closes 17 Jun 2026
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Alongside recommendation 5 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report, BSR has been asked to support the response to recommendations 7, 8, 11 and 12 solely related to guidance within Approved Document B. While this consultation responds to recommendation 5 and fully considers recommendation 12, recommendations 8 and 11 will continue to be considered as part of the continuous review of Approved Document B. Changes to the guidance based on these recommendations will follow in due course.
BSR is also supporting MHCLG on a number of the other recommendations from the phase 2 report which are not covered by this consultation.
Recommendation 12 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report asked government to consider how the guidance in Approved Document B deals with interpreting results and the need for sufficient test data.
“BS 9414 should be approached with caution and we recommend that the government make it clear that it should not be used as a substitute for an assessment by a suitably qualified fire engineer.”
B2 Any test evidence used to demonstrate the fire performance classification of a product or system should be carefully checked to ensure that it is applicable to the intended use. Small differences in detail, such as fixing method, joints, dimensions, the introduction of insulation materials and air gaps (ventilated or not), might significantly affect the performance and should be tested or assessed in accordance with paragraph B1.
B3 Assessments should not be regarded as a way to avoid a test where one is necessary. Assessments should only be carried out where sufficient relevant test evidence is available. Relevant test evidence is unlikely to be provided by test standards which have different classification criteria.
