We are currently working on updating Technical Note 98, first published in April 2017. Whilst much of TN98 is still relevant, the section on combustibility requirements in particular does not reflect the current regulations.
Guidance on the use of combustible materials in relevant buildings can be found in the joint CWCT/SFE publication – click here for details.
Amendments to Approved Document B were published in June 2022, and included:
- Minor changes to the definition of relevant buildings so that hotels and hostels are now included in the scope of relevant buildings;
- New restrictions on the use of combustible materials in residential buildings with a floor between 11m and 18m above ground;
- Restrictions also apply to attachments to residential buildings between 11 and 18m. Laminated glass can still be used for balcony balustrades but only if certain conditions are met;
- The use of ‘relevant’ metal composite material has been banned on all buildings.
Click here for further details.
As part of this update, we are also aiming to provide further guidance on curtain walls, in particular regarding fire stopping and cavity barriers. In a change from earlier guidance, it is proposed that that curtain wall fire stops should be tested in accordance with EN 1364-4 and used within the scope of application of the test.
If you have any experience of issues, confusion regarding requirements, inconsistent approaches being applied, and so on in relation to the fire performance of curtain walls, please get in touch by emailing cwct@cwct.co.uk.
Comments