Smoke Ventilation in Converted Properties

[MikeO]

Hi,

I have received a number of FRA actions to install smoke ventilation in a number of our properties. When I have reviewed these, they are all converted properties; houses into flats, with a full evacuation policy.

It was my understanding that these fall under LACORS guidance which has no stipulation for smoke vents.

The FRA surveyors just keep quoting Approved Document B, which I don't think is relevant in this type of building.

Any thoughts of smoke ventilation in converted buildings?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[AnthonyB]

My thoughts are you should get a refund and new FRAs. Approved Document B is irrelevant for FRA in existing flats. LACORS is the correct guide especially if due to the style of conversion they are section 257 HMO's. Even if purpose built the LGA Guide applies which, whilst it does sometimes require smoke control works, is far more holistic than just blindly following new build standards.