Laundry Chute Help!!!

[u22]

Hi, I'm thinking of installing a laundry chute in my house, I don't think its a common household facility in the UK as I have never heard of or know anyone who has one.

I'm interested because it will make life easier as I have a large family...

I'm thinking of installing it from the first floor to the basement - that's going through 2 floors in total. I want to completely comply with the building regs and fire standards, could you please advise on my plan and the questions I have regarding it. Currently my plan consists of:

1) Chute diameter of 30cm
2) Chute Material: Stainless Steel
3) 1.5 hour fire rated self closing door at the top
4) 1 hour fire damper at the basement level

5) Box the pipe in with fire board and plaster it

6) Add a fire alarm at the top of the chute (inside) - fire alarm will be interconnected to others throughout the house.

My questions:

a) Is a laundry chute legal in the UK for residential houses?
b) Is my plan above sufficient to satisfy all the building and fire regs?
c) Do I have to inform the council that I'm putting one in?

Any other recommendations welcome!

Thanks

 

[Steve]

I'm no expert, but your plan sounds belts and braces. Not sure it needs to be metal - just form it from stud walls (clad both sides, firstly for fire protection and secondly to stop socks getting stuck on the noggins).

 

[^woody^]

Building regs would not apply, and nor would fire precautions if this is a domestic property

You would just need to follow good industry practice for insurance purposes - which it looks like you are doing