Tom Sutton

What happens when you switch, is it the same base that causes the red light to blink?

Why are you slumming here Lyledunn it's only you and a few more keeping Firenet forum alive but I will try and give an answer. When I dealt with new buildings I used to calculate the worst scenario on each floor and provided the MoE to meet that number. If it was an existing building I would calculate the worst scenario and if I couldn't provide the ideal MoE then I would limit the numbers within the fire certificate which I did with some trepidation. So I do understand their stance and if it is impossible to provide an ideal MoE reducing the size of the room may be a solution but functions like wedding are notorious for overcrowding at night.

I am not familiar with import regulations but I do know a company that provided upholstered furniture without labels and claimed they were not responsible under the FFFSR because they were only acting as agents for a manufacturer in Germany. The trading standards took them to task but didn't prosecute. The labeling simply proves the item of furniture meets the required standard.

Q1 There is no UK legislation that directly covers the use of upholstered furniture in commercial premises, however, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person (RP) to conduct an FRA which also means he/she has to reduce the likelihood of spread of fire that may put his/her employees and visitors at risk in his/her workplace. The decision is yours as RP. Q2 No, If the RP uses upholstered furniture in a shop and it has to be tested by BS 7176 to low hazard classification, with the appropriate label only then it is acceptable. BS 5852 is only one of the three tests that BS 7176 required to categorizes the results and provide a hazard classification. Q3 You can but it has to state it is tested to BS 7176 low hazard.

The guidance used will Building Regulations which is likely to be Approved Document B (fire Safety) volume 2: Premises other than Dwelling Houses so check out page 86 which should indicate what was require during construction. All the guidance used for fire dampers is indicated in that section. Check out http://www.asfp.org.uk/slides/The risk assessment of fire damper installations.pdf and http://asfp.associationhouse.org.uk/default.php?cmd=210&doc_category=123.

The fire safety guidance says if you are going to fit a spy viewer it has to meet a certain standard to ensure it does not compromise the fire resistance of the fire door and that is why I say it is a security matter. It doesn't say, you need eye viewers and certainly not how many.

Check out https://envirograf.com/product/animal-door-flap/ and speak to envirograf they may be able to help. You will also have to speak to Lambeth council.

You also need to study Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats and having commercial spaces & a car park at the basement does complicate matters.

If you need to ask such a question maybe your not the right person to conduct such a task and need the help of a qualified person. But if you want to understand more about the subject check out https://www.firesafe.org.uk in particular page https://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-emergency-evacuation-plan-or-fire-procedure/.

Spy holes are a security matter, not a fire safety matter unless you are talking about vision panels?

I think this is an AOV control system and not a fire alarm and the use of sounders seem to be not necessary. I understand wall mounted detectors are acceptable under certain situations so check out BS 5839 and an AOV control box may be able to be situated in such a location. Check out https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/22/messages/AHy_aH9aGMEgXLWUFQGSWEp7xnU?.intl=uk&.lang=en-GB&.partner=none&.src=fp may be useful and Guidance on Smoke Control to Common Escape Routes in Apartment Buildings (Flats and Maisonettes).

I cannot speak for the asbestos assessment, but the fire risk assessment is the responsibility of the Responsible Person, who will be the owner/agent. It is unlikely one would have been carried out in this situation, providing the front doors lead directly to the public thoroughfare, with no obstructions. The problem is that the guidance just says " the common areas of flats and maisonettes " and doesn't differentiate between internal or external but if you apply common sense it would only apply when your actions are likely to jeopardize the safety of other people. Check out The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/422192/9281_Sleeping_Accomodation_v2.pdf

This will depend on your tenant's agreement or other contacts you have signed so it is not a fire safety matter but a legal one and you should seek advice from a property lawyer. What is important that it is made clear that this would not apply in an emergency situation.

With outward opening doors, we used to require a meter of level going before you had to step down, I believe it came from the building regulations. If should study approved document M but not being totally au fait with most of the approved documents I cannot give a location. Check out https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441786/BR_PDF_AD_M2_2015.pdf and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protection-from-falling-collision-and-impact-approved-document-k.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is all about Fire Risk Assessment and the guides are guides, there is nothing cast in stone. During the FRA the assessor has to consider many things, to decide if modifications can be allowed to the guidance and not all fire safety related. The assessor has to make his/her decisions based on risk assessment and if necessary defend it in court. Without knowing all the necessary details it is impossible to give a definitive answer.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is all about Fire Risk Assessment and the guides are guides, there is nothing cast in stone. During the FRA the assessor has to consider many things, to decide if modifications can be allowed to the guidance and not all fire safety related. The assessor has to make his/her decisions based on risk assessment and if necessary defend it in court. Without knowing all the necessary details it is impossible to give a definitive answer.

Do you have an alternative means of escape, or travel in one direction, from your front door this will determine the type of front door you require also do you have a stay put fire procedure.

It sounds like the detector, detected CO or other gasses, above the trigger point and gave a warning, but it dissipated quickly, which can happen. I have heard of situations where exhaust fumes from a nearby road has been blow though a vent and actuated the CO detector inside. It could be an intermittent fault on the CO detector, so if it happens again have the detector checked out. If you are concerned, then purchase another CO detector which you keep the two detectors close together and if both do not operate at the same time, you can assume a false alarm. Check out https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/

I would say it is not acceptable, as all doors need to be easily opened, without the need of a key, in an emergency, during the time a premises is occupied. There are devices that are acceptable which provides delayed exit and others that warn the staff that a door has been opened, check out https://www.firesafe.org.uk/security-and-fire-safety/ and https://www.safelincs.co.uk/fire-exit-door-security-seal/?q=security. The doors should open in line of escape if it is likely to be used by more than 60 persons but panic bars/pads are not always required it depends on the circumstances. Without a detailed layout of the premises it is not possible to give a definitive answer to your problem and it needs to be properly fire risk assessed to achieve that.

The Regulations are enforced by Trading Standards check out https://www.gov.uk/find-local-trading-standards-office.

The Regulations are enforced by the Trading Standards Department.

I agree with you Jack but the RR(FS)O is about escaping from fire not security.

Are you buying in certificated fire door sets or are you making them using fire door blanks, if you need to replace them. Check out https://www.firedoorscomplete.com/fire-door-training or https://www.nptcgroup.ac.uk/courses/installation-fire-resisting-timber-doors/ may be useful

I would agree with you that door mats are a very low fire risk but they are certainly a tripping hazard in varying degrees and it is important that you do not create a situation where people escaping could fall with possible serious results. I have a door mat and it is in a doormat well which is designed to eliminate any tripping hazard but like the council house tenants I am not subject to the RR(FS)O so it is an issue that does not rise. I think they should be subject to a fire risk assessment and managed but unfortunately some landlords look for the easy way out.

As an employer or self-employed you are subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for your premises and the route from your premises to the public thoroughfare. The landlord could be responsible for certain articles as well as yourself, who are subject to them all. You and the other premises are also required to co-operate and co-ordinate as the employers are all Responsible Persons under the regulations.