Building Regulations – Part B (Fire Safety) – Dwellings (2017)
Fire Safety – Volume 2: Dwelling Houses
Under S.I. No. 57 of 2017 – Building Regulations (Part B Amendment) Regulations 2017, new fire safety requirements for dwelling houses came into effect on 1 July 2017. These requirements are supported by Technical Guidance Document B (Fire Safety) – Volume 2: Dwelling Houses (2017), which sets out how compliance may be achieved.
Part B – The Requirement
B6 – Means of Warning and Escape in Case of Fire
A dwelling house shall be so designed and constructed that there are appropriate provisions for the early warning of fire and there are adequate means of escape in case of fire from the dwelling house to a place of safety outside the building, capable of being safely and effectively used.
- From 1997 A Grade D smoke alarm was required in the Hallway, Landing and Kitchen
- From 2006 A Grade D smoke alarm was required in Hallway, Landing, Kitchen and principal living room
- From 2017 I.S.3218-2013+A1-2017 Part 10 for all New build, Refurbishments and Rewires. (Refer to paragraph 10.2.1.1 of the current standard I.S.3218-2013 +A1-2019)
Earlier national guidance prior to 2017 commonly recommended:
- 1997: Grade D smoke alarms in the hallway, landing, and kitchen
- 2006: Grade D smoke alarms in hallway, landing, kitchen, and principal living room
These reflect historical practice and are not the compliance basis following the 2017 amendment, which requires adherence to B6–B11 and I.S. 3218.
We’re Here To Help
Find the information you need in our library of educational and informative resources.
FAQs