The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004

SECTION 2: FIRE

Compartmentation

2.1.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, fire and smoke are inhibited from spreading beyond the compartment of origin until any occupants have had the time to leave that compartment and any fire containment measures have been initiated.

Limitation

This standard does not apply to domestic buildings.

Separation

2.2.  Every building, which is divided into more than one area of different occupation, must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, fire and smoke are inhibited from spreading beyond the area of occupation where the fire originated.

Structural protection

2.3.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, the load-bearing capacity of the building will continue to function until all occupants have escaped, or been assisted to escape, from the building and any fire containment measures have been initiated.

Cavities

2.4.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, the unseen spread of fire and smoke within concealed spaces in its structure and fabric is inhibited.

Internal linings

2.5.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, the development of fire and smoke from the surfaces of walls and ceilings within the area of origin is inhibited.

Spread to neighbouring buildings

2.6.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, the spread of fire to neighbouring buildings is inhibited.

Spread on external walls

2.7.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, or from an external source, the spread of fire on the external walls of the building is inhibited.

Spread from neighbouring buildings

2.8.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire in a neighbouring building, the spread of fire to the building is inhibited.

Escape

2.9.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, the occupants, once alerted to the outbreak of the fire, are provided with the opportunity to escape from the building, before being affected by fire or smoke.

Escape lighting

2.10.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, illumination is provided to assist in escape.

Communication

2.11.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, the occupants are alerted to the outbreak of fire.

Limitation

This standard applies only to a building which–

(a) is a dwelling;

(b) is a residential building; or

(c) is an enclosed shopping centre.

Fire service access

2.12.  Every building must be accessible to fire appliances and fire service personnel.

Fire service water supply

2.13.  Every building must be provided with a water supply for use by the fire service.

Limitation

This standard does not apply to domestic buildings.

Fire service facilities

2.14.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that facilities are provided to assist fire-fighting or rescue operations.

Automatic life safety fire suppression systems

2.15.  Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that, in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, fire and smoke will be inhibited from spreading through the building by the operation of an automatic life safety fire suppression system.

Limitation

This standard applies only to a building which–

(a) is an enclosed shopping centre;

(b) is a residential care building;

(c) is a high rise domestic building; or

(d) forms the whole or part of a sheltered housing complex.