Model Certificate of Compliance PartB (Fire) of the Building Regulations (19972019)

The Model Certificate of Compliance (MCoC) is a standard form that certifies a building or part of a building meets the requirements of PartB Fire Safety of the Building Regulations. The certificate is widely used by architects, fire engineers, building control officers and building owners across England and Wales. This page explains the purpose, content and practical use of the MCoC, outlines the regulatory background from 1997 to 2019, and provides guidance on completing and submitting the document.

Why a Model Certificate of Compliance is Needed

PartB sets out the mandatory firesafety standards that apply to new dwellings, extensions, alterations and many commercial premises. When a design or construction project reaches a stage where fire safety can be demonstrated, the responsible party must provide evidence to the building control body. The MCoC offers a concise, legally recognised statement that the relevant firesafety provisions have been satisfied.

Key benefits

• Clarity: A single document summarises the firesafety strategy, calculations and test results.
• Consistency: Using the same template across projects reduces ambiguity for building control.
• Legal protection: The signatory declares, under penalty of perjury, that the building complies with the regulations.
• Speed: A wellprepared certificate can accelerate the final inspection and issuance of the Completion Certificate.

Regulatory Framework (19972019)

PartB of the Building Regulations has been revised several times since its first appearance in 1997. The major editions are:

• 1997 2005: Focus on means of escape, fire resistance of structural elements and external fire spread.
• 2006 2013: Introduction of the firesafe approach, greater emphasis on the compartmentation of new homes and the guidance in Approved Document B (ADB).
• 2014 2019: Revised ADB (2014) added detailed requirements for external walls, fire detection, and the use of noncombustible materials in highrise blocks.

Although the wording of the regulations has changed, the core objectives remain the same: to protect occupants from fire, to allow safe escape, and to limit fire spread between or within buildings.

Structure of the Model Certificate

The MCoC is divided into clearly numbered sections. Below is a brief description of each section and what information is required.

1. Project Information

• Project name and address
• Planning reference (if applicable)
• Client/owner details
• Principal designer and contractor

2. Description of the Scope

Specify whether the certificate covers a new building, an extension, a change of use, or a specific firesafety system (e.g., sprinkler system, fire detection). Identify the parts of the building that are included (e.g., whole building, specific floors, external walls).

3. Applicable Regulations

List the specific clauses of PartB that have been complied with, for example:

• Section1 General fire safety provisions
• Section2 Means of escape
• Section3 Internal fire spread (structural fire resistance)
• Section4 External fire spread
• Section5 Fire detection and alarm systems
• Section6 Fire fighting access

4. Evidence of Compliance

Provide references to the documents that support each claim, such as:

• Fire engineering calculations
• Material test certificates (e.g., reactiontofire, loadbearing capacity)
• Firestopping installation records
• Compliance statements from specialist contractors (sprinkler installers, fire alarm installers)

5. Signatory Details

The person signing the certificate must be a suitably qualified professional (e.g., chartered fire engineer, qualified building surveyor, architect with firesafety competence). The signatory must include:

• Name, professional title and registration number
• Employer or consultancy name and address
• Date of signing

A declaration statement follows, confirming that the signatory believes, on reasonable grounds, that the building complies with the relevant parts of PartB.

6. Limitations and Conditions

If the compliance is conditional on future works (e.g., installation of a fire alarm system after the certificate is issued), these conditions must be clearly set out.

Practical Steps to Complete the Certificate

1. Gather documentation: Assemble all firesafety calculations, test reports and installation records.
2. Crosscheck against PartB: Use the latest Approved Document B (2014 edition) to verify that each clause is addressed.
3. Populate the template: Fill in the MCoC sections, referencing the supporting documents by file name or drawing number.
4. Review by a peer: Have another qualified professional check the completed certificate for completeness.
5. Signature and date: The responsible firesafety professional signs the document.
6. Submission: Provide the original certificate and electronic copies of the supporting documents to the building control officer.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

• Missing references: Every claim must be backed by a specific document. Use a checklist to ensure no clause is omitted.
• Outofdate standards: Verify that the version of Approved Document B used matches the date of the building control approval.
• Unqualified signatory: Only professionals with appropriate registration may sign. Check the registration status on the relevant professional body website.
• Ambiguous wording: Use clear, unambiguous language. Avoid may or could state complies or does not comply.
• Conditional compliance not noted: If further works are required, describe them precisely and include a realistic completion date.

Legal Implications

The MCoC is a statutory declaration. Providing false information can constitute a criminal offence under the Building Act 1984 and may lead to prosecution, fines, or civil liability. Building owners can also be held responsible if the certificate is inaccurate and a fire incident occurs.

Useful Resources

• Approved Document B Fire Safety (latest edition)
• BSI firesafety standards (e.g., BS 9999, BS 9991)
• Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers fireengineering guidance
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors competency statements

The content above is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult directly with a qualified firesafety professional and your local building control authority for projectspecific requirements.