Regulations require that buildings be designed and constructed such that, in the event of a fire, they maintain their stability for a reasonable period. What is the required reasonable period? Insured losses for example have increased by 11 per cent per annum and by 15 per cent per annum for commercial buildings. As a result, the insurance industry wants to see more emphasis placed on increasing the performance of buildings during a fire. Merely complying with Building Regulations may not be enough to guarantee a satisfactory risk assessment. This is because Building Regulations are concerned primarily with life safety and escape, and not the building itself or the continuity of the business concerned. Poor attitudes to effective fire safety management, therefore, will attract higher premiums.
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