Tom Sutton

I do not understand the layout you are describing "each flat having an entrance door and a kitchen window on to the corridor" is the door and window in different rooms, also you cannot use fire escape window on the second floor because of the height. Escape windows cannot be fire rated window because they need to be fixed permanently shut and if the escape corridor is enclosed, the kitchen windows should be fire rated.

I cannot give you a definitive response without a physical inspection or detailed plans but I am reasonable certain all flats should have domestic smoke alarm and CO detector installed by the landlord, check out The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 and a LDI system should only be installed if you have a full evacuation fire procedure. All front doors opening onto a common area should be fitted FD30s fire doors. I also think all tenants should be given a detailed note on the action to be taken in the event of a fire especially now while the works are being actioned and should be a full evacuation until at least the work is completed.

Is the fire inspector you speak of a fire and rescue officer or a person conducting a fire risk assessment.

Does the flats operate a a stay put or full evacuation fire procedure and was the building built to any approved standard.

Check out approved document K page 35 if people moving about in the building are likely to collide with the inward opening windows they they would be a contravention of AP K5. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/443181/BR_PDF_AD_K_2013.pdf

Electric meter installations are quite a high fire risk ( I have dealt with many as a firefighter)and as common stairway enclosures should be very low fire risk then I believe the installation should be enclosed by fire risting cupboard.

I agree it is not a major fire risk but it is a fire risk and you have to deceive if you are prepared to accept it.

You need to give more details on the construction and layout of the building and is each flat owned or leasehold and who is the Responsible Person also what is the fire procedure.

You can get expanded polystyrene products that have an additive to inhibit fire and are safer that those that do not, so you need to contact the retailer to see if it does. Although I would not consider it a major fire hazard my advice is to not use it and you should consider using plaster ceiling coving which I think is aesthetically more pleasing and of course less of a fire risk.

I think this is a civil matter and and you need to speak to your solicitor or the police and find why it was considered illegal parking.

You will find about minimum widths in approved document M page 7 check out https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540330/BR_PDF_AD_M1_2015_with_2016_amendments_V3.pdf. As it is an existing door the BCO/AI may consider a smaller width but that will be up to him/her.

You will find about minimum widths in approved document M page 7 check out https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/540330/BR_PDF_AD_M1_2015_with_2016_amendments_V3.pdf.

Schools are not covered by Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the home A Guide to the UK Regulations this only applies to domestic premises. You are subject to Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the contract and non-domestic sectors also the fire safety order which require a fire risk assessment, which your proposals will instigate a review and this review will dictate what you need to do.

As a re-upholsterer you are subject to the FFFSR with requires you to give to an enforcement authority or any of its officers such information as it or he may reasonably require for the purpose of enabling the authority to enforce any of the requirements of these Regulations.To be able to meet this requirement you will need documented proof so if the seller cannot give you this information you need to find one that can.

It doesn't necessarily have to be a straight run you need to surf the web and contact a steel fire escape manufacturer who I am sure will be able to advise you.

The guides say that windows can be considered as a means of escape and one door is acceptable for most premises but also recommend that the kitchen should be located as far from the exit door as possible, if not then other arrangements are usually required. Because of your situation then it needs to be considered more closely and I would suggest you contact your local fire and rescue service and ask them for an audit. Check out https://www.firesafe.org.uk/uk-fire-rescue-services-details/.

I think that is too simplistic and all that is needed is a pencil, rule, compass and a plan of the area resulting in a much better result.

Furniture and fittings in a domestic premises is subject to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988/1989, 1993 and 2010 and also has to meet the testing contained in that legislation. In non domestic premises there is no specific legislation that covers furniture, but is subject to Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and normally accepts furniture that meets BS 7176 but does not meet FFFSR, consequently because of this, they are not interchangeable. However if the furniture does meet the FFFSR it usually acceptable in all premises. Check out Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the home A Guide to the UK Regulations and Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the contract and non-domestic sectors

Check out https://www.ifsecglobal.com/uncategorized/the-spacing-and-siting-of-fire-detection-devices/ it appears to be good guidance.

Is the garage split in two, one the garage and the other houses the oil tank, with a full sized door connecting the two.

I do not see it as a major problem i think it just needs filling with a filler suitable for wood assuming it is not badly damaged.

What does your fire risk assessment say about the surface spread of flame in the salon and the upholstered furniture. Check out Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the contract and non-domestic sectors for more information.

I would agree with you and I believe would not be acceptable to intumescent manufacturers or in global assessments from testing houses.

I would agree it is an escape route and stair gates would be an obstruction.

IMO your dog beds would fall under floor cushions and have to fully comply with the regulations. Floor cushions are considered to be any cushion supplied separately and not comprising an integral part of an item of upholstered seating. While not defined in the Regulations, it is commonly accepted that a floor cushion has dimensions which are greater than 60cm x 60cm x nominal product thickness. If there is any doubt over compliance with the Regulations it is recommended that expert advice is sought from the likes of Furniture Industry Research Association or check out section 11 of the guide. The guide Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the home A Guide to the UK Regulations.