FRA in a converted warehouse

[Fireman1987]

I've been asked to carry out an FRA for a single tenant in a warehouse that's been converted to provide managed office spaces for quite a few tenants.

Essentially, the first floor has been fitted out with partition walls and a suspended ceiling to 'void' the height of the original warehouse.

There are two means of escape (23m and 32m) and an L1 fire alarm system (as far as I can determine), but I'm convinced compartmentation between different occupancies should be 60 minute walls and 30 minute doors.

The building was built before the war, extended in the 50s and converted to this in the 70s.

Any comments?

Thanks

[Tom Sutton]

I am not certain what do you want comments on?

However I would check out the space above the false ceiling, to ensure the fire alarm cover this area or cavity barriers to prevent unseen spread of fire.

[Fireman1987]

Ah, good point.  In addition to the spaces above the false ceilings, I'm wondering if the walls separating occupiers should be 60 minutes?

[AnthonyB]

The nature of the alarm system will compensate as long as escape routes and areas of high risk are protected by compartmentation there is no need for 60 minute party walls between tenants in offices buildings, you normally see (or look for) the 60 minutes where you see it split into industrial units.

[Fireman1987]

Thanks, guys.  that's good enough for me!