AnthonyB

There have been plenty of tests and studies into the actual symbol on the exit signs which is why we are currently with the BS EN ISO 7010 pictogram as it had the best results in comprehension tests. There is no evidence from testing that these signs encourage running so whilst your observation is correct, the actual risk is negligible.

If you have a full height partition without a vision panel then there should be smoke detection in the access room. Automatic detection is difficult to provide in cold stores but is not impossible and can be done.

For a converted house all the information you need is here: http://www.cieh.org/policy/fire_safety_existing_housing.html

These are your guides: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-sleeping-accommodation Except in the smallest B&Bs you need proper FD30S fire doors to the rooms. Sleeping accommodation above pubs is a high priority for fire and rescue services and they will not hesitate to take enforcement action if standards are mot met. You may also have implications under Building Regulations if you are worsening the original standards of door fitted or a carrying out any form of "Building Work"

I'd need to see it for a definitive opinion, but it doesn't sound satisfactory. Sounds like conditions may be contrary to the Housing Act 2004 - you should contact the housing officers in the Environmental Health Department to assess the flats under the The Housing Health and Safety Rating System

Generally yes, it's not a new requirement and has been around since the 1960's

If they are escape routes then in a word - no.

In theory yes, as long as the stair is suitably protected from a fire in the building.

You would need to be aware of the risks from tripping and a slightly narrower exit, but if evacuation is staff led then it is a manageable system - after all it doesn't require a key or code to release.

Minimum legal requirement is a manual fire alarm system, which they have, but appear to have neglected to maintain in breach of article 17 of the Fire Safety Order. The red light would usually indicate the call point has been activated - somewhere there should be a control panel which will probably be in 'fire' but silenced. Get your existing system serviced and back up to full order then carry out a fire risk assessment to determine (amongst other things) if a fire could develop unnoticed & prejudice the escape of anyone. It may be that you need no detectors or only a couple - you wouldn't normally need detection everywhere for life safety in this type of building (even though an alarm installer may try and convince you otherwise!) I can't be specific without seeing the site.

It depends on manufacturer - usually antifreeze has the most effect on a Class B rating and in some cases reduces a 6 litre foam down to 113B, but you need to check this from brand to brand. Note that many manufacturers don't carry out rating tests on units with antifreeze (not a big enough demand to satisfy the costs of testing) so you have no guarantee of efficacy.

Not necessarily in purpose built flats - despite recent events the below guidance has (for the meantime) been confirmed as still valid by the Government: https://www.local.gov.uk/fire-safety-purpose-built-flats

The Fire Service will offer useful advice, but are not the enforcement agency - if they reveal that there is an undue risk to you then you should (if the fire service don't automatically refer it under a Memorandum of Understanding for fire safety enforcement in residential premises) contact the Local Authority Environmental Health Officer who can inspect and enforce under the Housing Act 2004.

Invite your local fire safety enforcement officer down - they will resolve the issues for you.

So much for HM Government! Took the link from Gov.uk as it should be up to date! Try https://www.local.gov.uk/fire-safety-purpose-built-flats