Hi all,
I'm trying to clarify what is a landlord's legal requirement in regard to fire detection. I've been reading various pieces of legislation, but it seems like I'm only getting more confused, hence why I thought it might be better ask in the forum.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulation 2015 states that there should be smoke detectors on every story and a carbon monoxide alarm where there is a solid fuel burning combustion appliance.
Approved Document B says the following:
"All dwellings should have a fire detection and alarm system, minimum Grade D2 Category LD3
standard, in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6.
A higher standard of protection should be considered where occupants of a proposed dwelling
would be at special risk from fire. Further advice on this is also given in BS 5839-6.
1.2 Smoke alarms should be mains operated and conform to BS EN 14604.
1.3 Heat alarms should be mains operated and conform to BS 5446-2.
1.4 Smoke and heat alarms should have a standby power supply, such as a battery (rechargeable
or non-rechargeable)"
So technically, any flat should have mains operated smoke and heat detectors which will have standby power supply. Or in other words, detectors in a flat shouldn't be battery operated as is commonly the case?
If I'm asking all those questions, it's because I'm wondering when should fire detection be increased in a domestic flat. In most flat, you can get away with having a smoke detector in the hallway, a heat detector in the kitchen and a CO alarm. But if you're dealing with a vulnerable tenant, would there be a point to let's say install smoke detectors in every room except bathroom and toilets (LD1 coverage)? By the way, if there's a document specially for vulnerable tenants do let me know.
The thing is reading the summary of BS 5839-6 on safelincs, it seems to me that the recommendation is that rented flats should have Grade D1 LD2 in place at least. But in general flats have alarms only in the kitchen and hallway and often they are battery-operated.
Obviously, from what I understand, BS standard are not legally binding. However, they may be used in a court of law to settle a dispute. Therefore, it allows for some leeway. By the way, for me LD2 means detectors should be installed in circulation space and high risk areas. If we're talking about a two-bedroom flat. Would you consider that the living room is a high risk area? I'm asking as until now, for me high-risk area was the kitchen. However, it seems that the living room is also considered high-risk.
In regards to carbon monoxide alarm, the regulation in England says that a CO alarm is required if solid fuel burning appliances are used. So, technically, if you use a gas cooker, having a CO fitted isn't a requirement if all you have in your home is a gas cooker. However, I understand that generally speaking it is recommended to have a CO alarm whenever gas is used in a flat.
However, what if gas is still operating in the flat, but your kitchen equipment is powered by electricity, would a CO still be recommended in such a case?
Thank you all for your help.