Loft conversion, third storey, fire doors

[DevilDamo]

As we're aware, the need for fire doors to enclose the existing staircase is required and self-closers are no longer a requirement.

In some situations, clients may want to retain their existing doors, which would mean upgrading them to make them comply. In some instances, this is not possible.

However, I have been told that in some cases, instead of upgrading these doors, providing additional fire detection, namely smoke detectors in the habitable rooms (and fire alarm panel) is an alternative.

I am in talks with the BCO and he has mentioned a document publised by RIBA Publishing...

http://www.ribabookshops.com/item/loft-conversion-project-guide/70564/

Has anybody come across this before?

 

[mravant]

Yep.

We had a loft conversion done 2 years ago and due to the character features of the original doors in the house the BCO stated if we put a interconnected smoke detector system in every room (apart from toilet and bathroom), it will comply.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I linked it earlier this year: //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1598392#1598392

 

[DevilDamo]

BCO stated if we put a interconnected smoke detector system in every room (apart from toilet and bathroom), it will comply.

Did the BCO not also ask for a fire alarm panel as that is what our local BCO may be looking for?

I linked it earlier this year: //www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1598392#1598392[/QUOTE]

Thanks sir. The second link is what I'm after

http://www.constructionproducts.org...roducts Association Loft Guide March 2010.pdf

The first link is based on the old AD as it contains the dormer section (i.e. distance to eaves from bottom of window opening), but still a useful document

 

[mravant]

Hi,
No he did not ask for a control panel. Just mains operated with battery backup interconnected.

 

[OwainDIYer]

You can also consider domestic sprinklers to vulnerable areas.

 

[DevilDamo]

Sprinklers are something ALL clients want to avoid Imagine those accidentally going off, like smoke detectors do occasionally

 

[OwainDIYer]

And how often do sprinklers 'go off' accidentally?

Accidental discharge of water from all causes is 1 in 500,000 (per year of service) - LPC, cited here

 

[DevilDamo]

I didn't say they did I said IMAGINE if they accidentally went off like smoke detectors do.

I'd be interested to see those statistics split into domestic and non-domestic categories.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Aye DD means clients always think the worst about sprinklers through simple lack of knowledge! Always amazes me the total lack of respect for fire most people have.