AnthonyB

Depending on the location of the exit door and the number and type of people expected to use them there are a variety of different escape fastenings that are acceptable, not just a panic bolt. Also whilst it is desirable to open in the direction of escape this only becomes more of a requirement where over 60 people may be likely to use it. What isn't allowed is the need to use a key, code, fob or similar to open the door - as a minimum the patio door lock would need to be changed to an escape deadlock with a thumbturn like this one: https://www.homesecureshop.co.uk/products/yale-thumb-turn-euro-cylinder-door-lock-as-platinum-ts007-3-star?variant=34894066516136&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=CjwKCAjwydP5BRBREiwA-qrCGtg_VeuIjPDYHval1VqFUywdlHgnLHlIwjhOn4eFIBHBmPyNoiX8pxoCrcUQAvD_BwE

Whilst it is bizarrely not mentioned much in UK guidance it is true that in the US and the many countries that follow US guidance that the use of ABC Powder where it can come to rest on the superstructure and in the engines of aircraft is not permitted or not recommended as the acidic ammonium phosphate & sulphate has been shown to cause fatigue in aluminium so to avoid structural integrity risks (& at the very least a 5 or 6 figure cost full stripdown and clean) only alkaline Sodium or Potassium Bicarbonate BC Powder should be used. Now in the US this isn't a big issue as all manufacturers still make various types of BC Powder extinguisher in all sizes but in the UK you are rather limited as nearly everything is ABC. Some manufacturers do a 8kg extinguisher filled with Monnex BC Powder (the most powerful extinguishing powder in the world due to it's Potassium base and ability to decrepitate in flame to increase it's surface area) which is very expensive. Only one manufacturer supplying the UK (also one of the few remaining companies to make extinguishers here rather than China or Poland.) has a variety of different sizes of BC Powder & Monnex extinguisher, including large capacity trolley and skid mounted units, this is Britannia Fire. Amerex UK (an American company) also has 9kg BC Powder and Purple K models ex stock, but because it's a US firm can import any of it's wide range of other BC models if required. I'd have 9kg BC Powder for rapid knockdown with 9 litre Foam (type of foam & delivery may differ depending on risks) for post extinction security. The nature of the risks & any CAA or Insurance requirements may also mandate larger trolley extinguishers etc

You need a competent person to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment - this will answer all these questions. The FRA is a legal requirement. There's too many possible variables without seeing the place as all your three questions could easily have a yes or a no answer, although with respect to the last one the retail unit should be considering the fire resistance of their ceiling in their FRA as the flat occupiers are 'relevant persons' for consideration under the regulations even though the interior of the flats themselves isn't. If the fire separation isn't adequate then they should ideally upgrade it, otherwise they would need a fire detection and alarm system set up to warn the flats (usually involving sounders in the flats)

If your desired access across adjoining land is not protected in deeds, easement or license then you are in trouble, I had a commercial client where an informal access arrangement was revoked on change of ownership of the adjoining property and it caused all sorts of issues as it remove their alternate escape route - however the resulting fire safety compliance issues were solely those of the client. There are some precedents for informal arrangements being protected if they have existed long enough, but this is definitely an area where you need the advice of a good property lawyer.

Only if the compartmentation between the restaurant and flat is inadequate, i.e. less than 60 minutes.

I'd need to see the site but for a purpose built mid 60's small block of flats you don't need a communal fire alarm, are unlikely to need to retrofit smoke vents and associated detection and your main risk assessment mandatory finding would relate to front doors being fire doors with effective self closers and a recommendation only for emergency lighting. Associated with this finding would be one that, as a result, fire detection & warning inside the flats is outside the scope of the freeholder's common responsibility and the as built stay put policy should stay in place. There could of course be other findings, but in essence, based on what I've found and what the build requirements of the day required, it's most likely

You don't necessarily have to install a large ugly plasterboard and stud cupboard anymore either - there are products to allow a more compact and aesthetic fire safe enclosure: https://envirograf.com/product/electrical-consumer-unit-and-distribution-board-fire-protection-system/

To be fair they would be better calling the fire brigade and getting out, however for the small fires that a householder would be expect the small extinguisher would suffice - it may not have an A rating, but that doesn't mean it's ineffective, just good enough for very small fires like a waste paper basket.

Assuming you aren't in the Irish Republic there isn't a maximum service life for extinguishers as long as parts are available and the extinguisher is structurally sound. This assumes that for non CO2 it's been Extended Serviced (as detailed above) every 5 years and overhauled (including pressure test) every 10 years if CO2. Most service technicians, unless very long in service or working for the small number of traditional extinguisher firms still around, are no longer trained in or equipped for refilling and testing and usually replace extinguishers with new. If your extinguishers are over 10 years old but in service date then either: a) you are using one of the few firms that do a proper job and they are fine, or: b)you have one of the increasing 'rag & tag' firms who will just fill in the label each year and take their money and I would replace the equipment (& the provider) Photos would give me a clue as whilst some makes and models over 10 years are still serviceable, others aren't and others still have been subject to a recall as whilst looking externally like they will work they don't! If the CO2 have more than 10 years of service records on and are being marked as OK or Serviced as oppose to requires test, corrective action required, etc then you definitely have had the cowboys in!

The correct answer should be ideally at a similar time on a set day, however some online training is quite poor and wrong in content. Random activation will cause confusion and slow down staff response in the event of real alarm

There is a delay programmed between the activation of a device and the alarms actually sounding, or relays to other systems like plant shutdown operating. You need the servicing company to download the exact cause and effect from the panel and put it into a table/spreadsheet as the set up can differ - different time delays, different devices being delayed (often smoke detectors have a delay, but heat detectors and call points don't as they aren't as prone to false alarms). Depending on the circumstances certain delays are permitted - in others they aren't & your Fire Risk Assessor should be able to decide what's appropriate for your premises..

Technically, yes. Considering how limited the common parts are & how small you may be able to complete it yourself using the available guidance.

Depends what running the place entails - if it's supporting the residents then the NFCC Specialised Housing guide is appropriate. If they are just servants then it is not a workplace for the purposes of the Fire Safety Order and an FRA and the associated general fire precautions are not required. From RRO: '“employee” means a person who is or is treated as an employee for the purposes of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974(4) and related expressions are to be construed accordingly' From HASWA: 'Exclusion of application to domestic employment. Nothing in this Part shall apply in relation to a person by reason only that he employs another, or is himself employed, as a domestic servant in a private household.' If they really did want some sort of fire safety check then you would have to refer to the single dwelling guidance in the LACORS guide and the general domestic fire safety tips from the Government's Fire Kills website.

That's up to the Fire Risk Assessment which could suggest, as an existing older building, either the openable windows at each landing, a permanent vent at the head or an AOV whichever is easiest to implement.

Before changing extinguisher types be aware that there are stringent legal requirements for extinguishers on both inland waterways and ocean going craft (including yachts) and Water Mist extinguishers wouldn't meet the minimum fire ratings for use if your yacht requires a Boat Safety Scheme license. If you are only using it outside waters requiring a BSS license and it is only ever used as a Class XII private pleasure boat, then being under 13.7m it escape the requirements under the UK Merchant Shipping Regulations of having any extinguishers (if it did then the Water Mist extinguishers would need to be 3 or 6 litre) and you could swap as you desire, although I'd check with your insurers first.

This is a property and land law issue & you need to consult a qualified legal adviser. A lot will depend on the nature of the legal agreement (if any) existing regarding usage of the shared space.

Firstly it's not much of a fire door with a hole in it!

As long as you are competent and the resulting assessment is suitable and sufficient then legally you can carry out the FRA. Many organisations choose to use external competent persons to ensure a suitable and sufficient FRA, but if you feel competent enough the official guidance is inked below: https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/fire-safety-purpose-built-04b.pdf

Powder, whilst messy will put out ethanol fires as will CO2. Water Mist is also suitable, but only on very small fires as it has a small rating.Alcohol Resistant Foam extinguishers are available, but rather expensive and only in big sizes..

Yes they should and it's a bit of a coincidence with the fault. Was it a fire alarm company or just electricians?

As long as you are enclosing the area of special fire risk and maintaining protection of the stair you should be OK - unless the layout of the building requires lobby protection to the stair then your version of remedial actions does sound sufficient.

Fire and smoke will readily pass through this and depending on location and what areas it penetrates could indeed be an issue.

No, but an application of common sense and risk assessment is appropriate with rooms/cupboards off an inner room - if a normal habitable room it's a no, but a cupboard or single cubicle toilet could be tolerable as they aren't going to be inhabited for any length of time.

Defend in place is an accepted option in the care environment, but usually a last resort. Normally they are meant to have a member of staff stay with them and the bedroom and door be of 60 instead of 30 minutes fire resistance. The fitting of a domestic sprinkler system as added protection is not uncommon, plus if there is an elevated risk of fire from the service user themselves in their room then the use of a personal protective mist system to the room (as oppose to fitting a building wide system) is also an option.

Lipping/rebating doors predates modern methods of sealing fire doors - it used to be common because it was the only way to get some form of flame, heat & smoke seal. Whilst it had some effect compared to a door without the rebate the performance is nowhere near the same as a door with intumescent seals and cold smoke brushes. The acceptability of an 'older' method of fire safety joinery will depend on the situation and the performance requirements of the door-set in question - in some situations such as heritage premises and certain existing premises (based on other factors taken into account) it may be acceptable, but not if current standards are a requirement.