A public consultation has launched to examine proposed amendments to Building Regulations concerning fire safety measures across a range of building types, with a primary focus on residential buildings.

The consultation, launched by the Department of Finance, is being used to gather feedback on proposed amendments to Part E (Fire safety) and supporting guidance in Technical Booklet E (Fire safety). The proposed changes include implementing recommendations outlined in the Phase 1 report of the Public Inquiry into the tragic Grenfell Tower incident.

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The objective is to ensure that fire safety measures are robust, effective, and aligned with best practices, ultimately enhancing the safety of occupants in buildings.

The first regulation requires the provision of comprehensive fire safety information at the completion of the construction stage and during the handover of the building prior to occupation.

The second regulation focuses on the installation of automatic fire suppression systems, particularly sprinklers, in specific types of residential buildings.

Additionally, the consultation seeks views on expanding the coverage of automatic fire detection and alarm systems in new dwellings, including the installation of smoke alarms in all habitable rooms.

The consultation runs until 25 September 2023.