SNIPEF

The Scottish Government Building Standards Division has issued an update on pending fire safety legislation and new regulations on energy-efficient building standards to certification partners.

The Government has published a new consultation on a range of fire safety topics, including proposals in response to recommendations 4 and 5 of the Cameron House Fatal Accident Inquiry Report.

The consultation covers six main areas:  

• Introducing a requirement to have active fire suppression systems installed for future conversions of historic buildings to be used as hotel accommodation
• The special risks which existing hotels and similar premises may pose through the presence of hidden cavities or voids, varying standards of workmanships, age, and the variance from current standards and if revising the guidance provided by the Scottish Government and others is needed 
• The application of mandatory building standard 2.15 - automatic fire suppression systems - to alterations, extensions and conversions of buildings within scope of the standard
• Mandating of non-combustible external wall cladding systems in new build hotels, boarding houses and hostels over 11m in height
• Miscellaneous fire safety issues 
• Impact assessments

Additionally, the consultation explores recommendations which consider risks associated with the conversion of traditional buildings into hotels.

The consultation is published at https://consult.gov.scot/local-government-and-communities/building-standards-fire-safety-cameron-house-hotel/ and will run until 7 March 2025.

An update blog on the energy standards review to deliver ‘a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard’ is also available to view following laying of regulations in Parliament last week.

The information can be found at Building Standards Building Standards - Scottish Government Blog.