What This Requirement Covers
Approved Document B, Requirement B5 deals with access and facilities for the fire service. These provisions ensure that firefighters can reach a building, gain entry, locate the fire, and carry out effective firefighting and rescue operations.
The requirements vary significantly depending on the building height and footprint. Taller and larger buildings require progressively more sophisticated access provisions.
Key Requirements
Vehicle Access
- Buildings with a floor area exceeding 2000 m² or a floor more than 11 metres above ground require vehicle access for a pump appliance
- The access route must support a minimum vehicle weight of 12.5 tonnes (15 tonnes for a high-reach appliance)
- Turning facilities must be provided if the access road is a dead end exceeding 20 metres
- Hard standing must be provided within 18 metres of the dry riser inlet and within reach of the building perimeter
Rising Mains
- Dry rising mains are required in buildings with a floor more than 18 metres above fire service access level
- Wet rising mains are required in buildings with a floor more than 60 metres above fire service access level
- Dry risers must have a landing valve on each floor and an inlet connection at fire service access level
- Outlets must be located within the protected stairway or fire-fighting lobby
Firefighting Shafts
- Required in buildings over 18 metres in height
- Each shaft comprises a fire-fighting stairway, fire-fighting lobby, and fire-fighting lift
- The number of shafts depends on the building footprint; every part of every floor must be within 60 metres of a firefighting shaft (measured along the route of travel)
- The fire-fighting lobby must be ventilated (naturally or mechanically) and have a minimum area of 5 m²
Firefighting Lifts
- Required as part of a firefighting shaft in buildings over 18 metres
- Must comply with BS EN 81-72 (firefighting lifts)
- The lift must have an independent power supply and controls accessible only by the fire service
- Minimum car size: 1100 mm wide x 2100 mm deep (to accommodate a stretcher)
Residential vs Commercial
The thresholds and requirements are the same for residential and commercial buildings based on height and floor area. However, commercial buildings with large floor plates may require additional firefighting shafts and wider access provisions.
Practical Compliance Tips
- Coordinate fire service access with the site layout, landscaping, and highway design early in the project
- Confirm vehicle loading requirements with the structural engineer for access roads over basements or podium decks
- Ensure rising main outlets are clearly labelled and accessible without keys
- Fire-fighting lifts require regular maintenance and testing; include this in the building management plan
- Consult the local fire service on access arrangements for complex sites
- Keep access routes clear of obstructions including parked vehicles, skips, and construction hoarding during and after construction
- Provide fire service information boxes at the main entrance containing floor plans, hazard information, and key contacts