Flats over empty commercial units

[Guest Clare Smart]

Can anyone help me.  I've been asked by a client if they could avoid the expense of providing 60 minute fire rated boarding between their commercial units and the flats above, if the commercial units became empty?  I can't find any particular guidance around this and wonder if it just comes down to a risk assessment?

Any help would be appreciated.  Many thanks.

[AnthonyB]

It would be down to risk assessment - empty does not mean risk free (which is why vacant premises are not exempt from the Fire Safety Order).

I'd be looking at things including:

 

• Removal of all combustible materials and waste
• Isolation of gas & electricity
• security against arson & unlawful occupancy

as part of determining if it was tolerable or not