Fire alarm needed in shipping container converted to a workshop

[Guest tony gascoine]

We are about to purchase a 40' shipping container to convert into a small community workshop; it will be equipped with workbenches with drills, lathes etc.

The container will be divided into toilet, kitchen ( with kettle & microwave), social/lunch area and workshop.

We intend to fit smoke alarms in each room with a heat alarm in the workshop ( due to the risk of dust from machining affecting a smoke alarm)

 

Does this meet appropriate regulations?

 

Tony

 

[AnthonyB]

In a container that small there is no legal obligation for any unless the layout creates an inner room that isn't mitigated by a vision panel or under height partition, in which case you would need smoke detection as heat detection would not operate quickly enough and the inner room occupiers would be trapped before activation.

Domestic smoke alarms are not meant to be used in non domestic premises and a fire alarm system should meet BS5839-1 with manual call points first, then any detection as required, however in small premises that wouldn't normally need a fire alarm a risk assessment can often justify the use of Grade D smoke & heat alarms (can't be battery only)
http://www.cherwellfiresafety.co.uk/images/innerrooms.jpg
You need a fire risk assessment in any case that should address this.