Kevin99

Hi Anthony Thank you for the reply. I use this guide will refer to it to answer my own question. Thank you again. Kevin

Hello I am trying to find a reference for existing & purpose built blocks of flats built prior to current legislation/approved codes. Most existing buildings will not meet current legislation, how do I confirm or verify this fact. i.e that an existing escape exit may not meet current minimum sizes of 1100mm? Could someone direct me to where I can discover this and how to best reference and apply it to FRAs. I hope that makes sense? Regards Kevin

Hi Anthony Thank you. I found this side note in BS-9999-2008-Code-of-Practise-for-Fire-Safety-in-Design Management-use-of-Building.pdf which kind of verifies your answer. 28 Heat and smoke control 28.1 General The build-up of smoke and heat as a result of a fire can seriously inhibit the ability of the fire service to carry out rescue and fire-fighting operations within a building. Means should be provided to ventilate the fire-fighting shaft of smoke. The objective of such ventilation is to minimize the possibility of serious contamination of the fire-fighting stairwell (see 28.2), although some smoke contamination of the stairwell is possible if natural ventilation is provided. Products of combustion from basement fires tend to escape via stairways, making access difficult for fire service personnel. Providing outlets for smoke can reduce this problem. Venting can improve visibility and reduce temperatures, making search, rescue and fire-fighting less difficult (see 28.3). Thank you again!

Thank you Anthony In blocks of existing flats from house conversions or purpose built blocks of flats up to 4 storeys which have windows in the staircase, the only means of escape, we find some blocks where the windows are sealed units (unopenable) and some have openers (with or without locks fitted), are both allowed/correct and if so where may I reference this (an approved code) such as say BS9991 or Building Regs Approved document B etc.? Kind regards

Hi I am looking for any approved codes that can help answer my concerns in regards to existing and purpose built blocks of flats of up to 3 or 4 floors with a single staircase and single final exit, being the front door. In particular my concern is in regards to external windows. In some properties the stairway has windows which are sealed casement units and cannot be opened. In other properties these same windows have openers, either with or without locks. Are these windows to be kept locked, can they be considered of use to allow smoke to exit or a risk allowing oxygen to fuel a fire? I've been through the approved codes I have to hand but cannot find a definitive answer and/or reference. I am appreciative of your thoughts in advance.