Tom Sutton

I am not aware of such a ruling could you enlighten me the origins of the ruling.

The guide for such premises is HOUSING – FIRE SAFETY Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing and includes advice on fire alarms.

It appears you want to convert the two flats into a maisonette with the option of returning to the status quo if you choose later. I cannot give a definitive answer without a physical inspection but providing all the doors to habitual rooms meet the required fire resistance I cannot see why the building control would not accept it.

I cannot understand where the landlord got his advice from but it sounds like your proposals are satisfactory providing the magnetic lock is installed according BS 7273 4.

The purpose of the cold smoke seals on the flat front door is to prevent a fire in a flat smoke logging the common areas. Smoke seals on corridor doors are to prevent a protected area smoke logging another protected area. But it looks like they realised their mistake by rectifying the front doors.

Some fire risk assessors would be a little concerned but providing you maintain an escape route of 1050 mm and level going, you appear to conform to article 14 of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Check this out with your FR assessor.

Most fire doors have three hinges but it depends how it was tested, this information should appear on the documentation that comes with the door set and could have passed using two hinges. Check out BS EN 1935: 2002.

You would need to know more information like if it conformed to the building regulations or when it was converted.

I am afraid there is no answer to you problem it would be all guess work the only advice possible to give is, If your CO alarm goes off for for than just a very brief period realistically you should follow the official advice: If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect a leak: Stop using all appliances, switch them off, and open doors and windows to ventilate the property Evacuate the property immediately; stay calm and avoid raising your heart rate Call the Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 to report the incident, or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363 Don't go back into the property; wait for advice from the emergency services Seek immediate medical help; you may not realise you've been affected by the carbon monoxide and going outside into fresh air won't treat any exposure by itself If it is relevant it is for you to decide.

I think when the previous owner carry out the alterations it would have been subject to the building regulations (BR) and when completed documentation would have been issued to indicate it was completed in accordance with the BR. If you do not have this documentation you could be living in dangerous conditions and I would employ the services of a professional to advise you if alterations are necessary. I do not think you are legally required to carry out and alterations but you do need advice from the local building control.

No problem with the kick plates but the handles need to be easily opened without the need of a key.

Have you conducted a RSET and ASET to check out the theological time from the furthest classroom to a place of relative safety and then to ultimate safety. However the practical times most often bear little relationship and applied common sense is order of the day.

I would find out why there are bolted stair gates at the top and bottom of the stairs as young children shouldn't be allowed by themselves in the common areas, but there may be other reasons.

This would depend on the enforcing authority (FRS) as the sofas and armchairs are not subject to the FFFSR and are designated contract furniture. However the FRS may accept the FFFSR standard or the contract furniture standards and links to guides for both standards follow. Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the home A Guide to the UK Regulations and Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the contract and non-domestic sectors.

I would think your proposals are a material alteration under the build regulations and therefore attract the need for building regulation approval. Consequently I would contact the local build control and obtain their advice.