AnthonyB

Yes, a Ni-Cad cell should be on the back.

But if the conversions complied with Building Regulations then https://www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/fire-safety-purpose-built-04b.pdf is more relevant, not all conversions are non compliant and require the LACORS guide - these are usually house conversions, large scale commercial to residential conversions follow Approved Document B as a new build and so generally only require smoke detection as part of a smoke control system in common parts.

Has to be using test smoke/heat. If they aren't then they are doing the equivalent of what in the extinguisher trade is known as 'rag & tag' i.e. not actually doing anything other than filling in the service label/report & adding a tamper tag. Wouldn't surprise me if they don't open up the panel and check the panels with a test meter either. Far too many con artists out there in the fire trade. From the British Standard for Fire Alarms: c) Every heat detector should be functionally tested by means of a suitable heat source, unless operation of the detector in this manner would then necessitate replacement of part or all of the sensing element (e.g. as in fusible link point detectors or non-integrating line detectors). Special test arrangements are required for fusible link heat detectors. The heat source should not have the potential to ignite a fire; live flame should not be used, and special equipment might be necessary in explosive atmospheres. d) Point smoke detectors should be functionally tested by a method that confirms that smoke can enter the detector chamber and produce a fire alarm signal (e.g. by use of apparatus that generates simulated smoke or suitable aerosols around the detector). It should be ensured that the material used does not cause damage to, or affect the subsequent performance of, the detector; the manufacturer’s guidance on suitable materials should be followed.

Possibly. Easiest way to tell is to switch all the lights off and see how easy it is to see your way out, you usually need the equivalent light of a full moon on a clear night to safely see your way out (this is where the original EL lighting levels came from!). Consider the available light at the start and end of the day (when it's darkest), time of year and the impact of overcast weather. Having done this you may conclude you are fine. If not then depending on the size of the offices and number of people you may need either emergency lighting - or torches!

If it's an antibarricade door you need to use fire door rated Floor Spring Door Closers, I have a local authority client whose Childrens Homes needed bedroom doors to be anti-barricade but also self closing FD30s doors https://www.gjohns.co.uk/door-controls/floor-springs-door-closers.html

Sounds like you need an out of hours call out, costly but at least they will see the issue. The cause needn't be the panel and could equally be the wiring or a device, I'd not want to replace the panel until sure it was the culprit.

Sounds like commercial sleeping risk (i.e. not a dwelling), should be an FD30s doorset if it's protecting the escape route. This should have been picked up on your Fire Risk Assessment

They will try and palm you off by saying it got a Building Regulations Completion Certificate - which in actuality means nothing (as Grenfell proved) - if you get no joy get fire service enforcement in to look at it.

Emergency light fittings almost invariably use NiCad batteries anyway, so aren't really a concern, I'd be interested to know whose brand is using Li-ion

Fire safety legislation is functional and does not go into specific prescriptive detail so you won't find anything specific in the legislation on storage in cupboards (although it could be seen to breach functional standards in 4(1)(a) & (c) of the regulations.) A Henry will burn and produce a lot of fire effluent if exposed to sufficient external flame, possibly if your fuseboards are old and in a combustible (plastic) housing, this could be seen as a suitable pilot flame source. Private property or not you are leaseholders, not freeholders, so be aware there may be sufficient lease clauses to empower the freeholder and their agent in their actions, also the Housing Act applies across the whole building and can be resorted to for enforcement if there is a genuine risk. Zero tolerance is preferred for management companies as easy to implement & monitor, so many use this rather than a more sympathetic risk based managed approach (which can be completely fine & compliant). Having said all that the legislation is risk based and so whilst a fuse cupboard should always be empty in an ideal world there are certain combinations of items that could be deemed low risk. You could also argue if the cupboards are now suitably fire proofed and smoke sealed they would contain a fire (if a small cupboard it might even contain it long enough to go out through lack of oxygen)

I'm guessing it's a service visit where a large percentage of the points are tested and the panel log checked to see they've reacted correctly. If so then as part of servicing sounders are supposed to be tested so it's correct. Most building users ask for the sounders to be silenced during servicing though although this does mean sounders end up never tested (partcularly the out of the way ones where no one will be in the weekly test.

If the fire separation between it and the upper floors is OK then it wouldn't - but if (possible as a pre '91 conversion) it isn't then it'll possibly need heat detection off the common system

If potential escape would only be needed through those doors from the hall to the corridor and not vice versa then yes.

HI, 1) No as it is under 60 persons and a shop (technically) not a place of assembly 2) Yes, you could brick the door up all night if you wanted if the premises were closed and empty! 3) 750mm minimum (assuming no wheelchair access)

Try the Housing/Environmental Health under the Housing Act - if they can't help then sadly you are stuck.