Tom Sutton

You also need to study Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats and having commercial spaces & a car park at the basement does complicate matters.

If you need to ask such a question maybe your not the right person to conduct such a task and need the help of a qualified person. But if you want to understand more about the subject check out https://www.firesafe.org.uk in particular page https://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-emergency-evacuation-plan-or-fire-procedure/.

Spy holes are a security matter, not a fire safety matter unless you are talking about vision panels?

I think this is an AOV control system and not a fire alarm and the use of sounders seem to be not necessary. I understand wall mounted detectors are acceptable under certain situations so check out BS 5839 and an AOV control box may be able to be situated in such a location. Check out https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/22/messages/AHy_aH9aGMEgXLWUFQGSWEp7xnU?.intl=uk&.lang=en-GB&.partner=none&.src=fp may be useful and Guidance on Smoke Control to Common Escape Routes in Apartment Buildings (Flats and Maisonettes).

I cannot speak for the asbestos assessment, but the fire risk assessment is the responsibility of the Responsible Person, who will be the owner/agent. It is unlikely one would have been carried out in this situation, providing the front doors lead directly to the public thoroughfare, with no obstructions. The problem is that the guidance just says " the common areas of flats and maisonettes " and doesn't differentiate between internal or external but if you apply common sense it would only apply when your actions are likely to jeopardize the safety of other people. Check out The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/422192/9281_Sleeping_Accomodation_v2.pdf

This will depend on your tenant's agreement or other contacts you have signed so it is not a fire safety matter but a legal one and you should seek advice from a property lawyer. What is important that it is made clear that this would not apply in an emergency situation.

With outward opening doors, we used to require a meter of level going before you had to step down, I believe it came from the building regulations. If should study approved document M but not being totally au fait with most of the approved documents I cannot give a location. Check out https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/441786/BR_PDF_AD_M2_2015.pdf and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protection-from-falling-collision-and-impact-approved-document-k.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is all about Fire Risk Assessment and the guides are guides, there is nothing cast in stone. During the FRA the assessor has to consider many things, to decide if modifications can be allowed to the guidance and not all fire safety related. The assessor has to make his/her decisions based on risk assessment and if necessary defend it in court. Without knowing all the necessary details it is impossible to give a definitive answer.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is all about Fire Risk Assessment and the guides are guides, there is nothing cast in stone. During the FRA the assessor has to consider many things, to decide if modifications can be allowed to the guidance and not all fire safety related. The assessor has to make his/her decisions based on risk assessment and if necessary defend it in court. Without knowing all the necessary details it is impossible to give a definitive answer.

Do you have an alternative means of escape, or travel in one direction, from your front door this will determine the type of front door you require also do you have a stay put fire procedure.

It sounds like the detector, detected CO or other gasses, above the trigger point and gave a warning, but it dissipated quickly, which can happen. I have heard of situations where exhaust fumes from a nearby road has been blow though a vent and actuated the CO detector inside. It could be an intermittent fault on the CO detector, so if it happens again have the detector checked out. If you are concerned, then purchase another CO detector which you keep the two detectors close together and if both do not operate at the same time, you can assume a false alarm. Check out https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/

I would say it is not acceptable, as all doors need to be easily opened, without the need of a key, in an emergency, during the time a premises is occupied. There are devices that are acceptable which provides delayed exit and others that warn the staff that a door has been opened, check out https://www.firesafe.org.uk/security-and-fire-safety/ and https://www.safelincs.co.uk/fire-exit-door-security-seal/?q=security. The doors should open in line of escape if it is likely to be used by more than 60 persons but panic bars/pads are not always required it depends on the circumstances. Without a detailed layout of the premises it is not possible to give a definitive answer to your problem and it needs to be properly fire risk assessed to achieve that.

The Regulations are enforced by Trading Standards check out https://www.gov.uk/find-local-trading-standards-office.

The Regulations are enforced by the Trading Standards Department.

I agree with you Jack but the RR(FS)O is about escaping from fire not security.

Are you buying in certificated fire door sets or are you making them using fire door blanks, if you need to replace them. Check out https://www.firedoorscomplete.com/fire-door-training or https://www.nptcgroup.ac.uk/courses/installation-fire-resisting-timber-doors/ may be useful

I would agree with you that door mats are a very low fire risk but they are certainly a tripping hazard in varying degrees and it is important that you do not create a situation where people escaping could fall with possible serious results. I have a door mat and it is in a doormat well which is designed to eliminate any tripping hazard but like the council house tenants I am not subject to the RR(FS)O so it is an issue that does not rise. I think they should be subject to a fire risk assessment and managed but unfortunately some landlords look for the easy way out.

As an employer or self-employed you are subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for your premises and the route from your premises to the public thoroughfare. The landlord could be responsible for certain articles as well as yourself, who are subject to them all. You and the other premises are also required to co-operate and co-ordinate as the employers are all Responsible Persons under the regulations.

If you use double swing hinges and not pivot hinges how do you fit an automatic door closer, to the full 180 degrees, also which standard, covers them, because they are not single axis hinges?

Since July 2013, CE Marking is mandatory for construction products covered by harmonised European Standards (hENs), when placed on the market. So it appears CE marks where not required when the initial fire doors where installed, all the guidance said, there should be 3 and be made of material with a melting point ln excess of 8000 C. Installation of fire doors have improved over the last few years and chippy’s like your self are far more knowledgeable than before. I think you should do those things you are contracted to do and if you see other things you consider should be attended to, and then advise the Responsible Person.

Check out http://www.toxicsofa.com/

You need to seek advice from an expert on building regulations and you would need check to see if your proposals would be considered Material Alterations. If it is not, then to my understanding it will not be subject to building regulations but you need to confirm this with an expert. Check out page 8 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/485420/BR_PDF_AD_B1_2013.pdf

Creating obstructions across means of escape routes is not acceptable and there are solutions to the reasons why obstruction are used. For example vulnerable persons using the fire exit at inappropriate times, the door can be fitted with devices that allow people to egress but warns those in charge that the fire exit is or been used. If you leave the fire exit open for ventilation purposes and vulnerable people may use it, then sort out the ventilation.

As it is most likely to be an existing premises, as AB said, you should be using the appropriate DCLG guides. so check out https://www.firesafe.org.uk/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005/ If you are carrying out work that is subject to the Building Regulations then you should be using one of there three guides that was used during contruction and do not cherry pick, use only one guide for the whole of the building. Check out https://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-risk-assessment/ and https://www.firesafe.org.uk maybe useful.

It sounds like the detector, detected CO or other gasses, above the trigger point and gave a warning, but it dissipated quickly, which can happen. I would suggest you have the appliance, the CO detector is protecting, check out and tell the engineer what happened. I have heard of situations where exhaust fumes from a nearby road has been blow though a vent and actuated the CO detector inside, keep an eye on it.