What is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) 2005 and why is it relevant to the designer, when we already have CDM and Approved Document B?
In simple terms, Approved Document B of the Building Regulations provides minimum life safety fire design requirements for new structures whilst the CDM Regulations require minimum safety standards during the construction phase. However the RRFSO 2005 requires adequate fire safety management of property upon occupancy and as such, must evaluate and take the necessary precautions to adequately reduce any fire risks associated with products used in the construction process. In practice therefore, each remit cannot be viewed in clear isolation but can involve considerable areas of common concern. Both the Building and CDM Regulations require designers to provide adequate information relating to fire risks during occupancy and/or future construction works or routine maintenance. Of particular interest, however, is the potential for the RRFSO 2005 to impact upon the design phase of a new build project. A further interpretation of the design implications contained within the RRFSO can be fou
