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Tom Sutton

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  1. Tom Sutton
    I found the following leaflet http://www.ucl.ac.uk...Fire_TN_002.pdf which puts my previous advice in doubt so I checked out BS EN 179 again and realised it was talking about the locking device not the operating handle and there are many similar devices that are acceptable. Therefore I would suggest you check out the ten digit code which should indicate if it is suitable.
  2. Tom Sutton
    You cannot have them certificated when you purchase fire doors you need to buy certified fire door sets which will have all the documentation to prove they are. Who conducted the fire risk assessment for this building s/he should be able to advise you.
  3. Tom Sutton
    Yes it does and states the handle should be designed to release the door in 1 second by a single hand operation only, not requiring a key or any other similar object. It should enable immediate exit from the inside at all times regardless of any auxiliary locking devices. Therefore it does appear not to comply with BS EN 179 2008, have you checked with the manufacturer.
  4. Tom Sutton
    You could try BS 9999 and BS 9991 but I do not have copies so I am unable to any more information than that. http://shop.bsigroup...000000030158436 http://shop.bsigroup...000000030203948
  5. Tom Sutton

    HMO or not??

    Tom Sutton replied to ChrisB's topic in HMO

    I am afraid there is no such thing as short description on this subject the only person who can give definitive response to your question is the local housing department. But you could try http://www.firesafe....ple-occupation/ for some information and the flow chart tries to. HMO Definition
  6. Tom Sutton
    Check out the appropriate DCLG guide for the premises you need the information for but the Offices and Shops (page 64) states, While not normally acceptable, the use of ladders, floor hatches, wall hatches or window exits may be suitable for small numbers of able-bodied, trained staff in exceptional circumstances. Basically use as a last resort but not discounted I suspect all the guides will say the same.This guidance only applies to non-domestic premises.
  7. Tom Sutton
    Harry do you know of a self contained, radio linked, smoke alarm?
  8. Tom Sutton
    You can download "Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats" from http://www.local.gov.uk/publications from their website. I agree with Ryan and is a highly acclaimed document and when the firenet forum says nice things about Colin T then it must be good.
  9. Tom Sutton
    Hi Harry I have looked through the guide and cannot find any references to purpose built self-contained only converted self-contained and there is a subtle difference.
  10. Tom Sutton
    You should get in contact with the manufacturer of the cupboard and see what he has to say. Did any documentation come with the cupboard you may find useful information there,
  11. Tom Sutton
    You should get in touch with The British Woodworking Federation or BMTRADA they should be able to answer that one.
  12. Tom Sutton
    The description states "The block is 40 years old and purpose built - comprising 12 flats" consequently it is unlikely to be a HMO/Shared house more likely to be self contained flats therefore only the RR(FS)O will apply.
  13. Tom Sutton
    Is emergency lighting required if it is then it is a requirement what does your fire risk assessment say. Check out Sleeping accommodation Page 28, 103 for information on this subject.
  14. Tom Sutton
    It would appear the gap under the door is excessive and it should not exceed more than 8mm/10mm from the level of the finished floor or covering to the underside of the door, providing it is a necessary fire door. Is the door in question protecting an escape route from a high fire risk? I would suggest you contact the local Fire and Rescue Service and ask for their opinion.
  15. Tom Sutton
    It sound that you have the necessary labels but check out the FIRA guide especially the section on permanent labels just to be certain.
  16. Tom Sutton
    I am afraid with a single family occupation it is very difficult monitoring such a situation other than education. When ever you become aware of fires especially where the the fire alarm failed to operate and lives were lost let him know or check out http://www.direct.go...afety/index.htm for some more ideas. Harry's smoke alarm test reminder is an excellent idea.
  17. Tom Sutton
    What type of residential premises is it.
  18. Tom Sutton
    IMO there as always been two categories of fire doors, certified fire doors/sets and nominal fire doors, even more so in this age of risk assessment. Certified fire door sets have documented proof that the fire door set meets the required standard and the manufacturer guarantees the fire door set also takes full responsibility. Nominal doors which include upgraded doors, modified doors and BS 476 part 8 doors and it is the FR assessor who has to decide if the door meets the required standard through assessment. If you don't accept that then how do you deal with a older premises with lets say part 8 doors, which have been doing the job for fifty years, are you prepared to insist they are ripped out and replaced with part 22 doors. I would suggest you would require a part 22 door when any part of the premises is refurbished or if a fire door requires replacing because in your opinion it is unlikely to meet the required standard when required.
  19. Tom Sutton
    You naughty boy Ryan :angry: this is not a question suited for this forum. I have only been involved in one pressurised staircase situation many moons ago and one considerations they never took into account was somebody would light a fire in the staircase enclosure. As for the guidance documents you referred too I know BS 9999 is slated by many and the best place for this question is on the Fire Net forum when it comes back online. I shall meet you there soon Tom :wub:
  20. Tom Sutton
    Is this a house occupied as a single private dwelling, if it is then it is not subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 other than article 31(10). Talk to your local Fire and Rescue Service and get their opinion. Also have you checked your tenancy agreement and you could also visit the local Community Advice Centre (CAB).
  21. Tom Sutton
    The paint mixing room could have a large fan extracting the fumes to outside the premises and the vent in the fire door could be an input vent, without knowing a lot more and preferably a physical inspection then it is very difficult to make a decision. The original question stated " We believe that this has damaged the integrity of the door and he should no longer class it as a fire door" this would indicate it is a fire door and IMO only a FRA of the door can determine if the door can still be considered a fire door.
  22. Tom Sutton
    Sorry Steve I totally misread your question and thanks Ryan for putting me straight.
  23. Tom Sutton
    From the number one expert on fire doors and I consider the bible when discussing fire doors, "Best Practice Guide to Timber Fire Doors" states, Avoidance of twist in door leaves It is important that the magnet is on the same level as the door closing device, thus when used with an overhead closer the magnet will be at door leaf head height and when used with a floor mounted closer it will be at ground level. The importance of the location of the hold-open device is to avoid the twisting force that would be applied to the door leaf if the holding point were not at the same level as the closing force. This force can permanently distort door leaves and the door leaves when distorted will not close fully or correctly. Page 82 clause 20.28.4
  24. Tom Sutton
    I am not aware of any guidance or standards regarding this aspect and certainly no legislation. The only standard I am aware of that deals with the device itself is BS EN 1155 :1997 but I cannot find anything relating to this aspect. The usual term used is " Install in accordance with manufacturer's instructions " and I understand your concerns especially if you are a manufacturer. However as fire doors are usually well constructed, ridged and subject to other stresses, then this additional stress should be well within the capabilities of the door but I accept stress should be reduced as low as possible. My only suggestion is that the door should not be kept under stress 24/7 and my advice was always to release the door, using the manual switch, to the closed position during sleeping hours. Followed by an inspection to ensure that all the fire doors held by magnetic hold open devices have worked correctly.
  25. Tom Sutton
    The appropriated guidance is Educational premises page 111 (7.4) and lists the occasions when training for staff should be carried out and when fie drills should be carried out. Fire drills should be carried out at least annually or as determined by your fire risk assessment. To account for the turnover of pupils/students, there should be a fire drill at least once a year and preferably one a term/semester.
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