The above restrictions do not apply to cavity wall insulation where min. 75 mm thick brick or concrete leaves are used with suitable cavity barriers around all openings and at the top of the wall. They also do not apply to insulation and water proofing materials used below ground level or up to 300 mm above that level.
Building Standards in Scotland
Regulation 8 of the Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022 states that materials which form part of an external wall cladding system, or specified attachment, of a relevant building are of European Classification A2-s1, d0 or A1, classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-1: 2018.
This requirement does not apply to insulation exposed in a cavity between 2 leaves of masonry or concrete (min. 75 mm thick), with cavity barriers around all openings and at the top of the wall-head. It also does not apply to insulation and water proofing materials used below the ground and up to 300 mm above the ground.
In Scotland a “relevant building” is any building which has or creates a storey (not including roof-top plant areas or plantrooms) at a height of 11 metres or more above the ground and which contains a:
- dwelling
- building used as a place of assembly, or as a place of entertainment or recreation
- hospital
- residential care building or sheltered housing complex
- shared multi-occupancy residential building
- hotel, guest house, boarding house or hostel.
Building Safety Act 2022 in England
The term “relevant building” is also used within the Building Safety Act to identify buildings where certain financial protections apply for leaseholders in England. This definition is not the same as that used for purposes of Building Regulations/Building Standards requirements.
The Building Safety Act in England defines Relevant Buildings as meeting the following criteria:
- at least 11 metres in height or has at least five storeys (whichever is reached first)
- contains at least two dwellings
- not a leaseholder-owned building.
For further information on the Building Safety Act take a look at our blogs or book a CPD session.
