Approved Document B supports building design requirements. Wales also has its own Building Safety Programme and legislation. The detailed duties, building categories and commencement arrangements require a project-specific check.
Identify the building and responsible parties
Start with the whole building, not only the rented flat. Establish the use, height, storeys, shared areas and who controls them.
- Identify the owner, landlord, freeholder, managing agent and relevant fire-safety responsibilities. Record who can authorise work in common parts.
- Check the current Welsh regime and any Building Safety programme changes, including commencement. Do not import England's Building Safety Regulator process without checking Welsh law.
- Keep the current fire risk assessment and action plan where required, together with the building's fire strategy and relevant approvals.
Coordinate work and resident information
Changes inside one flat can affect the building's precautions.
- Check proposed alterations to doors, walls, ceilings, services and ventilation with a competent adviser. Pay particular attention to fire separation and penetrations.
- Resolve obstructed escape routes, damaged fire doors and reported faults through the responsible party, with a record of follow-up.
- Give residents accurate instructions for the building's evacuation strategy and reporting route. Do not invent a stay-put or simultaneous-evacuation policy.
Close actions with evidence
Track each significant issue to the person able to resolve it.
- Keep the assessment recommendation, priority, instructed work, completion evidence and any competent verification.
- If a managing agent reports that work is complete, obtain evidence appropriate to the issue rather than relying only on a general assurance.
- Review after material alterations, incidents or changes affecting the assessment. Escalate overdue critical actions to the responsible person promptly.
Example: a flat entrance door is replaced
A fictional tenant requests a new front door to their flat. Check the door's role in the building fire strategy, required specification and permissions before replacement. A secure-looking domestic door may not provide the required fire performance.
What to do
- Identify the building height, storeys, units and responsible parties.
- Use the Welsh guidance edition and amendments applicable to the work.
- Check which operational duties are actually in force before assigning them.
Evidence to keep
- Fire strategy and approved plans
- Responsible-party record and regime assessment
Sources and guidance
- Approved Document B: fire safetyWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Building Safety ProgrammeWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- Building regulations circularsWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026