Last edited 29 Nov 2024

Category A works

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Contents

[edit] Introduction

Category a works, normally capitalised as Category A works or shortened to Cat A works, was previously most commonly associated with a category of fit-out works, however with the introduction of the Building Safety Act and the defining of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) Category A may more commonly now relate to works that are carried out to an existing HRB as defined in The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023.

[edit] Category A fit-out works

Category A fit-out works are defined in the Rules of Thumb, Guidelines for building services (5th Edition) BG 9/2011, by Glenn Hawkins, published by BSRIA in 2011, as ‘Category A fit-out works extend central services out on to floor plates and provide a background for Category B works. Category A works comprise services, life safety elements and basic fittings and finishes for the operation of lettable work space. See article Category A fit-out works.

[edit] Category A works (to an HRB) under the regulations

Category A works under The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023 refers to work falling within any one or more of the following descriptions:

[edit] Category A works (to an HRB) guidance from the BSR

For further guidance regarding Category A and Category B works and other topics regarding Building Safety read through the FAQ Explainer Building Safety Regulator as the Building Control Authority from November 2024 published by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and described as such:

"Category A work involves significant alterations to the structure, safety, or design of a higher-risk building. This type of work generally has the potential to impact the building’s overall safety and functionality. It includes:

[edit] Cat B fit out

A Category B (Cat B) fit out is a type of office fit out that customises and finishes an office space to meet a tenant's needs. It's the most common type of fit out and usually involves elements of customisation, services, installation and design. It tends to follow on from Cat A fit-out works in offices.

[edit] Category B works (to an HRB)

Category B works under The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023 refers to 'work which does not fall within category A.'

The FAQ Explainer Building Safety Regulator as the Building Control Authority from Novemeber 2024 published by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and describes Category B work as: "Category B work is much simpler in scope. It includes all work that does not fall under Category A. In essence, if the work doesn’t significantly impact the structural, fire safety, or escape routes of the building, it is classified as Category B."

[edit] Works that neither Category A nor Category B

The FAQ Explainer Building Safety Regulator as the Building Control Authority from November 2024 published by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) describes certain exemptions for works that are neither category A nor category B:

"There are however specific types of work that neither fall under Category A nor Category B:

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

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