Building safety legislation continues to evolve at pace, with 2026 bringing further regulatory updates that will have a direct impact on how buildings are designed, managed and kept safe. From clarifications around compliance responsibilities to growing concerns over emerging risks, staying informed has never been more important for dutyholders and industry professionals alike. 

During our Building Safety Legislation Updates 2026 webinar, our live Q&A explored key questions from across the sector. Robert Thilthorpe shared insights on the latest legislative developments and how FIA guidance on lithium‑ion battery safety is shaping regulatory priorities and industry practices.

Robert Thilthorpe, FIA

Robert joined the FIA team in 2002 having previously worked for BSI being responsible for National, European and International Fire Committees for fire extinguishing (FSH/18, CEN /TC191), fire detection and alarms (FSH/12, CEN /TC72), Fire Brigade Equipment (FSH/17, CEN /TC192) Portable Fire Extinguishers (FSH/2) and was one of the founding members of CEN/CLC/TC 4.

Robert remains the current Chair of FSH/18 Fixed Fire Fighting Systems and CEN /TC191 Fixed Fire Fighting Systems, FSH/16 Hazards to life from fire, FSS/0 Services in fire and security and convenor of ISO/TC21/SC8/WG5 which is responsible for ISO 14520-1 Gaseous extinguishing systems and of ISO/TC21/SC8/WG8 which is responsible for ISO 6813 CO2 extinguishing systems.  

Q1: What are you doing with regards to PV fire safety as Hospitals are investing in this and 1 fire has already happened in Bristol?

Q2: What are people's thoughts on Fire XO extinguishers? General for all fire including lithium batteries?

Testing shows that water-based media have the most effect on limiting thermal runaway propagation so anything which enhances the water will be of benefit, work is underway on EN 3-11 that will provide a fire test to confirm the effectiveness of portable fire extinguishers on a battery fire.

Q3: One of the main concerns I have on the lithium-ion batteries is the toxic nature of the smoke and how quickly it spreads?

Yes, the vapour cloud produced by a LiB Fire is toxic and explosive and large volumes are produced up 6l per w/h.

Q4: How to be rationalise Equalities Act (mobility scooter) demands against the lithium battery risk. which set of legislation takes precedence?

As the risk is understood and managed there is no conflict.

Q5: Boeing used containment and external venting for the Li-ion battery runaway thermal risk on the 787 (after several fires). Is this a likely solution for buildings with Li-ion infrastructure?

As I explained it’s a combined strategy, battery design to minimise the risk from thermal runaway fires, containment – design the containment to control and limit the vapour cloud and explosion risk and consider fire suppression/extinguishing strategies.

Q6: Will Lithium batteries, because of the explosion risk, be subject to a DSEAR assessment?

They are not currently specifically listed in DSEAR but in doing the assessment you would consider all risks. 

 

 

Q7: Should we allow electric vehicle charging in enclosed spaces and underground parking areas? 

As long as the fire strategy is in place there shouldn’t necessarily be a need for restrictions, ICE vehicles also pose a significant risk most the most recent carpark fires (Luton/Liverpool etc.) were started by ICE vehicles.

 

Q8: Are the new Firestick extinguishers any good? 

If there is no cooling involved, then the impact on thermal propagation would be limited.

 

Q9: If we can't extinguish Lithium successfully or even have staff dealing with them which in healthcare it's just not feasible, can I ask what the advice is to deal with these hazards such as lithium battery charging boxes etc. I presume containment. With containment is ventilation advised or not. 

As above it’s a combined strategy management, containment (yes ventilation is needed).

 

Q10: Can you run through how the batteries ignite again - what actually happen? 

As long as the fire strategy is in place there shouldn’t necessarily be a need for restrictions, ICE vehicles also pose a significant risk most the most recent carpark fires (Luton/Liverpool etc.) were started by ICE vehicles.

 

 

Q11: Would Lithium extinguishers be available as an automatic option and would they be effective in a scooter store for example, or will they be unlikely to control a fire as they batteries would be enclosed? In which case, would the small bursting type extinguishants be considered to be housed within a battery compartment itself? 

As discussed, the fire extinguishing/suppression strategy is to limit thermal propagation rather than thermal runaway in a single cell so if there are a large amount of batteries in a single space fixed systems with containment options should be considered.

 

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We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to each of our key speakers for their insights during the webinar. 

Be sure to sign up for updates on our upcoming webinars here, and if you have any questions about the topics covered in this Q&A, feel free to reach out below. One of our fire safety consultants will be happy to assist you.