Review of Approved Document B: Fire Safety - 10. Car Parks - Health and Safety Executive

10. Car Parks

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10. Car Parks

Section 11 of Approved Document B Volume 2 provides guidance on the fire resistance of open-sided car parks.

International incidents, the Liverpool Echo Arena and Luton airport car park fires are an indication of the potential consequences that non-localised fires in car parks can give rise to. The information collated on these events through our real fires research, and research conducted as part of the structural fire resistance and fire separating elements project, led us to undertake further detailed research OFR real fires open-sided car parks report. Using the research findings and considering the evidence provided in multiple Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS) reports (Fire protection to car park steel frame | CROSS, Fire resistance of multi-storey car parks | CROSS, Fire risks in multi-storey car parks | CROSS, Fire in multi-storey car parks | CROSS), we are seeking to update the guidance for new car parks.

BSR proposes that the guidance calls for an increase in the fire resistance of multistorey open-sided car parks. These changes will result in:

For open-sided car parks from 5m+ to 18m, an increase from 15 minutes fire resistance to 30 minutes fire resistance.

For open-sided car parks above 18m+, an increase from 15 minutes fire resistance to 60 minutes fire resistance.

The proposed changes to this section of the guidance address existing research findings, support the gradual evolution in safety for new buildings, and will ensure new car parks are suitably designed to accommodate modern cars. The changes will support the delivery of other government policies, such as the safe rollout of electric vehicles, and safely adapt Approved Document B to industry practice changes.

Question 33: Do you agree that Approved Document B should increase the fire resistance of multistorey open-sided car parks?

Yes No

Question 34: Are there any other fire safety provisions that should be considered for open-sided car parks?

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Question 35. Do you have any comments on the draft guidance text?

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Existing Car Parks

Existing car parks are overseen and maintained under the Fire Safety Order and require regular checks and assessments to ensure they are maintained effectively. There is no evidence to suggest that existing car parks are inherently unsafe.

Consultation Stage Impact Assessment

The overall impact of the preferred option is: £79.6 million over 10 years. The estimated net annual cost to business (ENACB) is £15.3 million a year

Through our analysis we consider the potential trade-off where, if sprinklers are provided, the fire resistance expectations can be lower. It was concluded that the cost of incorporating and maintaining sprinklers would exceed the potential cost savings of a lower fire resistance threshold. Under this option, the 10-year present value cost was £242 million.

Question 36: Do you have any views on the impact the changes to the text will have on the industry?

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