Tom Sutton

Access security systems, Electronic locking system on means of escape routes should be installed in accordance with BS 7273-4:2007 Code of practice for the operation of fire protection measures. Actuation of release mechanisms for doors. UCL provide a fire safety technical note on this subject check out http://www.ucl.ac.uk/estates/maintenance/fire/documents/UCLFire_TN_001.pdf

The purpose of the signs are to indicate the position and type of a fire extinguisher so that, if the extinguisher is removed, this can be identified during a safety inspection, and a replacement ordered. As this will be done during the time when normal lighting is available, consequently photoluminescent sign would not be required.

Fire blankets should be available for immediate use at all times and should be located · in conspicuous positions on brackets; · where they will be readily seen by persons following an escape route; · most suitably, near to room exits; · in similar positions on each floor, where floors are of similar appearance. Fire blankets should not be located, · where a potential fire might prevent access to them; · in concealed positions behind doors, in cupboards or deep recesses; · where they might cause obstruction to exit routes; · in positions in rooms or corridors away from exit routes unless they are necessary to cover a particular hazard. The position and type of a fire extinguisher should be indicated on a sign so that, if the extinguisher is removed, this can be identified during a safety inspection, and a replacement ordered.

Is this broken furniture any threat to the means of escape in the commo0n areas, if it is, then contact the local Fire and Rescue Service who are the enforcement authority for the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005/ .

Most toilets and store rooms only have one entrance, so why do you need to have a sign to show you which way to escape but you may need emergency lighting if the normal lighting system should fail in a fire and there is insufficient borrowed light to find your way out. The best test is, when the building is empty at night, is to isolate the mains electrical intake and see if there is sufficient light so you can find your way out of the building safely if there isn't then you need emergency lighting. You may require fire exit signs to show you a route out of the building you are not familiar with and you may need emergency lighting if there is sufficient light so you can find your way out of the building safely. You can combine them if you chose (illuminated exit signs) or keep them separate which in most cases it is the best option except where the normal lighting is switch off during the time the premises is occupied like cinemas and theatres.

The manager has to abide by the residential care home guide and page 55 Furniture (including beds), soft furnishings and textiles lays down the standards, which you maybe not able to achieve. The problem is soft furnishing and upholstered furniture, there should be no problems with timber items or mirrors.

Where furniture is supplied by a landlord, the application of the Regulations will depend on whether or not the landlord is acting in the course of a business in letting that property. For example, if a landlord lets furnished property on a one off short-term basis (i.e. whilst, temporarily working away from home) and is unlikely to do so in the course of a business then the Regulations will not apply. If the landlord views the primary purpose of the property as a source of income, rather than his own residence, then this would be considered a business activity and the landlord a supplier. As such the Regulations apply in this case. If the regulation do apply then as you say you are on a loser but why did you cut it off you could have used copydex to stick it back on.

Gordon it would help if you gave us full details of the domestic fire extinguishers you want to dispose of. Is it an aerosol type or a sealed or rechargeable commercial type, who is the manufacturer, its size, extinguishing medium, age, because a full description helps when trying to respond.

This will need Building Regulations approval therefore the fire safety should be in accordance with Approved Document Part B Fire Safety. When the building work has been signed off you will be subject to the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and guidance will be Offices and shops and Sleeping accommodation. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005/and http://www.firesafe.org.uk.

Are we discussing rim locks or dead locks and will it be possible to exit the premises with out the need of a key? How do you ensure this door will not be locked when the building is occupied especially at night? As for the burglar if he enters the building then why can he not exit the building by the same route? The fire safety order says you must consider relevant persons who are people who are legally in, or near to the building which would not include burglars, incidentally firefighters are not considered relevant persons.

As joint owners of the building you are the Responsible Person (RP) as stated in Article 3.b of the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Under article 5.2 you are required to implementate article 8 to 22 which includes a fire risk assessment. Because you do not employ 5 or more person the FRA need not be recorded but you need to complete one. Check out http://www.firesafe.org.uk/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005/and http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-risk-assessment/

I don't know about me sending you a diagram I would sooner you send me a diagram to explain the situation because I do not fully understand the situation. I do agree there should be fire stopping between floors and painted plywood would not be suitable but how does it compare with Approved Document Part B Fire Safety. or why does the slab not form part of the frame or sit on a wall? Your best source of information would be The Passive Fire Protection Federation or companies that provide sealant solutions.

Windows are not normally considered a means of escape from fire except in two storey domestic dwellings, in more substantial buildings a designed scheme is used which should ensure windows are not required. Without have a fully detailed description of the building I cannot say how effective the MoE would be. Purpose built student flats can be exempt from the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, however are subject to the Building Regulations which should ensure they are safe.

Is this door required for means of escape, is it a bypass door, because usually the door from an office leads into a corridor and only one door is require for MoE in a normal office, without more detailed information I cannot give a proper answer. Check out Offices and shops.

The common areas of blocks of flats are subject to the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and require an adequate means of escape. If you cannot get out of the building then the landlord is failing in his/her duties and if they is not prepared to rectify it, then I would suggest you go to the local Fire and Rescue Service who are the enforcing authority. http://www.firesafe.org.uk/uk-fire-rescue-services-details/

As far as I am aware there is no legislation regarding carpet in domestic dwellings there maybe some requirements in certain commercial premises.

Your electrician is correct and you are subject to the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and required to conduct a fire risk assessment (FRA). You can conduct the FRA yourself using the appropriate guidance or employ a fire risk assessor to do it for you. You can find this guidance at http://www.firesafe.org.uk/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005/ in your case you should use Small and medium places of assembly also Offices and shops and maybe others. http://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-risk-assessment/

A door closer is not normally required on final exit doors but in your case I can see why you need one and providing it does not interfere with with the use of the final exit, then I cannot see any reasons why you shouldn't fit one.

1. You can order bespoke fire doors or purchase a fire door core and make you own, just do a search for "fire door core" and follow the guidance. 2. Check out http://www.safelincs.co.uk/fire-door-protection/ bottom of the page. 3. Any decent timber merchant should be able to supply I use a local one, Sutton Timber for my timber needs. 4. There is no link but you can buy all British Standards from http://shop.bsigroup.com/ and there are other sources.

A fire alarm should be installed and a aspirating systems should be used, if standard detectors are unsuitable. (i.e. because of low temperatures) Check out this european guidance http://www.insuranceeurope.eu/uploads/Modules/Publications/1202469724_article231.pdf

The regulation is quite clear you are required to provide a satisfactory means of escape and the guidance would be Factories and warehouses and Offices and shops.

The opening moments of doors should meet the appropriate British Standard. Check out http://www.poolewaite.co.uk/page.asp?id=TDDisAwar for more detailed information. A point worth considering is there are swing free door closers as well as magnetic hold open devices.

I would suggest at least one of the staff is qualified to, SP203-1 Modular Scheme for Fire Detection & Alarm Systems. This BAFE scheme has been developed for the Third Party Certification of those organisations involved in fire detection and fire alarm systems. The scheme recognises the importance of providing compliant systems while at the same time minimising false alarms. Check out http://www.bafe.org.uk/schemes-detail.php?id=0000000007and http://www.bafe.org.uk/schemes.php

First point to raise is class 1, is surface spread of flame rating and not fire resistance and you would have to use fire resisting glazing. Secondly you may have a radiated fire risk and would need special fire resisting glazing like Pyrostop consequently you should discuss your proposals with the local Building Control who are in the best position to advise you. You would need full detailed drawings and even a survey to decide what would be acceptable to the BCO. The Guide to Best Practice in the Specification and Use of Fire-Resistant Glazed Systems.

You could have the door rehung and see if you can achieve less than 4mm on both jambs and head of door, this would mean the width of the door would need to be no less then 8mm of the frame opening. You maybe able to have the door modified so one of the lippings is increased in size or I am afraid its a new door or frame.