L1 Systems & Detectors

[Tonyc8310]

In a refurbished residential care home....Architected has omitted installing smoke detectors inside linen cupboards citing that there is no ignition source (fuse boxes, lights etc.) inside.

Would this be appropriate by reliance upon managing the spaces? 

Thanks

Tony 

[AnthonyB]

Cupboards under 1sq.m. can be omitted without a variation, however it's not uncommon to see them fitted anywhere. I know of several homes that have had enforcement action to make them fit them too.

There is a risk of spontaneous combustion in linen after being laundered, dried , folded, and stacked particularly where contaminated with oils and similar not removed by washing with paraffin based emollients being a particular issue in recent times - fire risk isn't just the obvious and architects historically aren't the most knowledgeable in relation to fire safety.

Ultimately the Fire Risk Assessment will decide if the risk is low enough to omit detection as well as identify the long list of fire safety snagging all too common in premises after refurb (& the meaningless 'sign off')