AnthonyB

It doesn't sound healthy! I'd want that checked by an electrician.

Generally yes, but like with purpose built flats it depends on the size and layout - it's not an across the board approach and certain scenarios, even in purpose built, still require upgrade or replacement of doors.

It all depends on the size and layout of the block it's in - see here https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1020410/Fire_Safety_in_Purpose_Built_Blocks_of_Flats_Guide.pdf

That's a drop over 300mm so the creation of the drop doesn't comply with Building Regulations, would breach the Workplace (Health Safety & Welfare) Regulations and will get the no win no fee compensation lawyers lining up to take the case when someone falls off it! Hardly a safe means of escape either.

You are using the incorrect guidance - BS9999 is not for flats and is for designing new non domestic buildings. Blocks of flats have far more onerous smoke control requirements due to their fire strategy being of stay put. Existing flats should be assessed to this guide (& then it's impending replacement) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1020410/Fire_Safety_in_Purpose_Built_Blocks_of_Flats_Guide.pdf

HI, You have asked this on FireNet so I'm not going to duplicate on here, I've asked some further questions to clarify matters and have a full answer ready once these are replied to

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There is nothing stopping you locking this door, although it would be advisable to have a lock that can be opened from the inside without a key to allow emergency escape. The fitting of the lock should not compromise the integrity of the fire door so should follow the door manufacturers instructions.

Single 12.5mm plasterboard with a plaster skim used to be the standard for 30 minutes fire resistance a long time ago but the current manufacturers guidance based on testing is that you now need to use 2 x 12.5mm. However there are different material combinations for different situations, the British Gypsum White Book (https://www.british-gypsum.com/specification/white-book-specification-selector/white-book-overview) is a useful reference. You should contact your Building Control department as they will have a minimum spec they will accept.

Commercial use is different to domestic - guidance is here https://www.fira.co.uk/technical-information/flammability/fire-safety-of-furniture-and-furnishings-in-the-contract-and-non-domestic-sectors

The requirement for internal fire doors to self close in dwellings was removed a long time ago so the previous occupier will have legitimately removed them. You should of course try and keep the doors closed where possible, especially at night.

If they are on an internal door you can cut the chains - it used to be a requirement to fit these a long time ago, but this was dropped some years ago.

Grade F systems only have a single power supply and are more prone to removal and failure. The robust nature of a Grade D system is why it is now the norm and the use of Grade F equipment is being phased out slowly as legislation requires more and more places to have Grade D (or higher) when built, rewired or altered. Wireless linked systems are the norm and the old need for linking physically with bell cable is long gone

HI, For full detail you would need to appoint someone to prepare such a specification but to avoid you ending up with over provision: - Your description suggests the conversion will comply with the current edition of Approved Document B or BS9991 with the requisite fire compartmentation - This in turn suggests a stay put approach - Flats would have their own separate & self contained smoke/heat alarms to BS5839-6 - You do not need any form of common fire alarm system - You only require smoke detectors to open the smoke vent, no sounders, no call points - Despite it being common (& lucrative) practice there is no need to provide a separate fire detection system to activate the vent - there are several manufacturers of smoke vent equipment where all the required detectors, manual controls, etc can be directly connected the the vent controls with out the need for a fire alarm control panel etc - One example: https://aov-direct.co.uk/product/ventec-ostro-1m2-gfa-stairwell-aov-kit/ - This way you won't have to pay for installation of and pay for ongoing testing of equipment you don't need, just the smoke control system and no unnecessary components that aren't correct for stay put.

30 minutes protection would usually be accepted and you could potentially uprate the existing cupboard using intumescent card, paper or paints

The FRA would consider if the upper floors are at risk from a fire in your flat, i.e. if you have sufficient fire separation.

Locking isn't usually OK if it requires reliance on a code or key. Kitchens are dangerous environments for children and I'd be more worried that they got in the kitchen and that door should be the first point of concern - child gates, access control, etc

The premises require a Fire Risk Assessment which should answer this - a key factor is the fire compartmentation or otherwise which will have a big impact on what, if anything, is required

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No, there is no requirement for any interaction, the commercial system can be self contained.

If you think it complies there is always this option: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/building-regulations-determinations

Unless you are in Scotland it's at their own risk really - you can't enforce it, only any provision required for the common good, hence why they have the common detector & sounder in the hallway but not a domestic one. If they asked for a Home Fire Safety visit by the fire service they would potentially get a Grade F1 smoke alarm fitted free if it's a cost thing, but otherwise if they want to risk their lives that's their choice as the required provisions to protect others are in place. Read your lease though - it might have something out of the ordinary that you could use.

You need a fire risk assessment by a competent person to decide this (by law you should have one already anyway!). The front doors are a problem (heritage doors can be upgraded to suit listed status, but just because the Building is listed doesn't mean all interior elements are - check the listing). You might need an alarm (especially with the current doors), but then again you may be able to avoid this. The nature of the fire separation between ground and first floor would be a factor too. I'd need to see it really - you might not need much but equally you might need loads too!

Where in the building would you be using them?

Not generally if the protected hallway isn't compromised as you say and no third room exits via the lounge/kitchen