Tom Sutton

This is an old perennial and there are many threads on FireNet forum on this subject. If an escape door is fitted with a mag lock, linked to the fire alarm, then a manual override is required (green box) to comply with the British Standard. I understand that the fire alarm system can be configured so if a green box is actuated a fault will be indicated on the fire alarm panel. This may be a solution providing the fire alarm panel is monitored 24/7. Check out http://fire.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1839.0 and there re many other too.

Check out Section 5 Further guidance on emergency escape lighting (page 100) in the Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Offices and Shops, DCLG guide which can be downloaded from http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/firesafetyrisk2 . Having read the above section and you have any further question do not hesitate to return with those queries.

I think there is a typo error and it should read blocks not locks, if this is the case then it does appear to be unacceptable. I would suggest you request a free home fire safety check from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 169 1234 or go to their website and register online. They will be able to resolve this matter.

Check out http://peakland-fire-safety.co.uk/ they appear to have the expertise to deal with your problem, Fire advice for architects and building designers and specialists in fire assessments for heritage buildings maybe worth a try.

Gordon I am afraid fire statistics are not detailed sufficiently enough to enable you to extract such information but there has been a small reduction in deaths/injuries in domestic premises but the reasons are open to opinion. Check out http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/researchandstatistics/ more information. Mail me with your email address regarding a fire consultant.

Eva which labels are you talking about the display label or the permanent label the display label is only for retailers who are selling the upholstered furniture. The permanent label is securely fixed and should remain with the furniture also should be difficult to remove. Check out http://www.satra.co.uk/spotlight/article_view.php?id=254 which shows the two types of label.

Further results of my research on dry powder extinguishers for vehicles. If a company has ABC dry powder extinguishers, for use in company vehicles, it appears there are three variations available, factory sealed aerosol types, and factory sealed disposable types and traditional types. 1. Aerosol types such as Firemaster, First Alert, some Kidde models, Fireblitz and Jactone there are no servicing actions beyond user visual and user check weigh, with replacement at the end of the 5 year warranty. 2. Some of the other disposable/factory sealed types which in effect were non rechargeable versions of 'traditional' extinguishers such as those used in the past by Kidde & Guardian and gauged aerosols as used by Firemaster in the 80's/90's in theory can be subjected to the full Basic Service as you can remove pins and re-tag, gauge verify with a tool etc., The only difference being, should recharge be needed on the extended service is has to be replaced. 3. The tradition types need to be serviced fully in accordance with BS 5306 Pt 3 2008. Therefore I would suggest for the protection of a motor vehicle you would require a minimum 2Kg ABC class dry powder extinguisher. The advice on carrying fire extinguishers in motor vehicles is very sparse unless you are subject to the ADR, CDG Regulations and they require a minimum of one 2Kg ABC Dry powder and I cannot see any reasons to disagree with that. None of the aerosols types are suitable because they only cover class BC but the ABC disposable/factory sealed types are suitable. They would need commissioning test on installation, visual every month and a basic service every 12months and to be replaced at the extended service/overhaul. The traditional type should be serviced as indicated above.

Any final exit door required for escape in the event of a fire in the premises is classed as a fire exit door and if they are not regularly used on a day by day basis they must be indicated with a "Fire Exit" sign. Most final exit doors do not require to be fire resisting therefore do not require to be kept closed and if the doors you speak of are not fire resisting doors then there is no reason why they cannot be held open. The only reason why they are kept closed is for security reasons.

Question 1 there is a requirement to have 60 mins fire resistance between the two occupancies and two FD30 would achieve that. However this question requires the expertise of a building control officer and you should confirm my reply with a BCO.

The simple answer to question 2 is you can't it is all about risk assessment and you need to have experience in this field. There are clues that may help for instance, the thickness of the door, the weight, the number of hinges, usually three, are intumescent and smoke seals fitted, is there any fire resisting glazing fitted but the only certain way is to have some form of documentation, labels or plastic plugs. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-doors/ for more information.

I would suggest, although vehicles are considered to be premises under the RR(FS)O, art 6(e) exempts them if they are used as transport or carry a vehicle exercise licence. HSE guidance still applies if they are working vehicles but fire extinguishers are not required unless a risk assessment requires them or if the vehcle is subject to ADR. The other problem is you can get 2Kg ABC dry powder extinguishers factory sealed and the only meaningful test you can do is part of commissioning and the visual inspection under BS 5306-3:2009 Commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. There are five tests, commissioning, visual inspection, basic service, extended service, overhaul and because they are sealed then there is not a great deal can be done other than return or replace.

Are they sealed type extinguishers?

Keith I accept trying to provide an image may be difficult but could you describe the plug in detail especial the colours used.

The common areas of blocks of flats are subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and should have a fire risk assessment (FRA) which would consider the problem you are concerned with. The enforcing authority is the local Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) therefore I would suggest you contact them and make them aware of your problem and they should conduct an inspection to ensure all things are satisfactory. Check out http://www.firesafe....ety-order-2005/ for more information and http://www.firesafe....rvices-details/ will identify your local FRS or local fire station and you could visit or phone them.

Elena holiday lets are subject to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended in 1989, 1993 and 2010) which means, as you have been advised, all upholstered furniture should carry fire safety labels. There is no way of knowing if the armchair would meet the necessary standards other than to contact the manufacturer who may have the documentation to prove the armchairs are legal but they only have to retain the records for 5 years so the chances of verifying the legality of these armchairs is pretty remote. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/furniture-and-furnishings-fire-safety-regulations-19881989-and-1993/ for more info.

British Standard 8214 : 2008 colour code system. http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/twsutton/PlasticplugsBS8214-1.jpg

Keith do you have an image or can you take a photo and show us on the forum.

The legislation says all premises subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 should have means of raising the alarm of fire. If you require an electronic fire alarm system then it has to be fit for purpose which means in accordance with BS 5839-1:2002 + A2:2008. Part of that British Standard includes a section on maintenance which says there should be periodic inspections by a competent persons at an interval of no more than six months. For more information on the maintenance check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-alarms/ which explains all the tests.

http://i1257.photobu...lasticPlugs.jpg Above is the old BWF method and you can find the Trada method in the below link but one that uses three colours is a new one on me. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-doors/ for more information.

Andy check out http://fire.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5779.new#new and you will see it becomes quite complicated.

I have never been involved closely with installation of sprinklers but the British Standard is BS EN 12845:2004+A2:2009 Fixed firefighting systems. Automatic sprinkler systems. Design, installation and maintenance. For Further information go to http://www.firesafe.org.uk/industrial-fire-sprinklers/

The standard for door closer is BS EN 1154:1997 and EN 1154:1996 is the European equivalent. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-door-fitting-and-ironmongery/ for more information. I far as I am aware the Powermatic Hydraulic Closer by Perko is th only perko that is CE marked to BS EN 1154:1997 and an overhead door closer should be cheaper but needs to meet the above standard. BS EN 1634 is not for closer's its for Fire doors and Shutters.

The only legislation on fire risk assessments is The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 there are also many guides, the one for this situation is Offices and shops and maybe the Factories and warehouses is there is a garage as well. You could check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005/ for more information.

There was amendments to the 1988 regulations in 1989, 1993 and 2010 therefore I would suggest you check out the the 2010 amendments on the web page at http://www.firesafe.org.uk/furniture-and-furnishings-fire-safety-regulations-19881989-and-1993/ and the experts on this legislation is the Furniture Industry Research Association which would be worth contacting.

There is no regulation on what surface should be beneath a fire door and carpet would be allowed. However if there is a carpet joint under the door, it is particularly liable to wear and tear in places below the door where a threshold plate can cover the join to prevent both wear and tripping hazard. Or if your floor surface is particularly liable to wear and tear in places below the door (eg, a high level of traffic, or over a carpet that may become compressed over time), then a threshold plate will help to prevent these uneven areas affecting the threshold sealing.