Carla Wynker

Thank you for your reply! Really helpful!

I had replied to you but either the post was deleted or I deleted it by mistake. But thank you for getting back to me! You clarified a lot of things. I just had a few more questions: 1) Is a carbon monoxide necessary in a flat that may have gas but the tenant only uses electrical equipment (e.g. electric cooker)? 2) Is interlinked detectors a criteria of LD2? Also, is a living room of a flat considered high risk? Until now, I didn't consider living room high-risk until it was pointed out to me that it was in fact high risk and was part of LD2? 4) Are there any differences between hardwired detectors and wireless mains detectors? Is one better than the other or they're about the same? 5) Maybe a silly question, but is there a difference between tamper-proof and battery backup that lasts the lifetime of the detector in reference to Grade D1? My understanding was that if a battery backup lasted the lifetime of a detector than by definition, it was tamper-proof. But maybe I got this wrong. 3) Do you recommend any handbook/ resources to get a good handle of fire safety in domestic building?

Hi all, I'm trying to clarify what is a landlord's legal requirement in regard to fire detection. I've been reading various pieces of legislation, but it seems like I'm only getting more confused, hence why I thought it might be better ask in the forum. The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulation 2015 states that there should be smoke detectors on every story and a carbon monoxide alarm where there is a solid fuel burning combustion appliance. Approved Document B says the following: "All dwellings should have a fire detection and alarm system, minimum Grade D2 Category LD3 standard, in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6. A higher standard of protection should be considered where occupants of a proposed dwelling would be at special risk from fire. Further advice on this is also given in BS 5839-6. 1.2 Smoke alarms should be mains operated and conform to BS EN 14604. 1.3 Heat alarms should be mains operated and conform to BS 5446-2. 1.4 Smoke and heat alarms should have a standby power supply, such as a battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable)" So technically, any flat should have mains operated smoke and heat detectors which will have standby power supply. Or in other words, detectors in a flat shouldn't be battery operated as is commonly the case? If I'm asking all those questions, it's because I'm wondering when should fire detection be increased in a domestic flat. In most flat, you can get away with having a smoke detector in the hallway, a heat detector in the kitchen and a CO alarm. But if you're dealing with a vulnerable tenant, would there be a point to let's say install smoke detectors in every room except bathroom and toilets (LD1 coverage)? By the way, if there's a document specially for vulnerable tenants do let me know. The thing is reading the summary of BS 5839-6 on safelincs, it seems to me that the recommendation is that rented flats should have Grade D1 LD2 in place at least. But in general flats have alarms only in the kitchen and hallway and often they are battery-operated. Obviously, from what I understand, BS standard are not legally binding. However, they may be used in a court of law to settle a dispute. Therefore, it allows for some leeway. By the way, for me LD2 means detectors should be installed in circulation space and high risk areas. If we're talking about a two-bedroom flat. Would you consider that the living room is a high risk area? I'm asking as until now, for me high-risk area was the kitchen. However, it seems that the living room is also considered high-risk. In regards to carbon monoxide alarm, the regulation in England says that a CO alarm is required if solid fuel burning appliances are used. So, technically, if you use a gas cooker, having a CO fitted isn't a requirement if all you have in your home is a gas cooker. However, I understand that generally speaking it is recommended to have a CO alarm whenever gas is used in a flat. However, what if gas is still operating in the flat, but your kitchen equipment is powered by electricity, would a CO still be recommended in such a case? Thank you all for your help.

It's an old thread. But thank you both for replying!

Hi all, I've been grabbling with what to me is a tricky topic: the evacuation of people in wheelchair/ serious mobility disability from their domestic property, especially if they don't live on the ground floor. Plus some of them might live alone and not have anybody to help them out in case of a fire. I've searched the internet for an answer has to what evacuation plan should be advised to them. However, information on the topic have been sparse. Of course, those people should have fire warning detection and warning system at their home (e.g. smoke detectors, heat detectors...etc), but what if the fire happen at their home? What is the recommendation? Would there be a point to provide them with fire extinguishers and a fire blanket? The thing is that in most domestic buildings, there isn't necessarily what could classify as a refuge area. But would simply leave their house (if they physically can) and wait outside for the fire brigade be enough? The alternative is the installation of a fire suppression system (misting units), but I'm wary of those due to the potential of false trigger. But maybe that's the way to go? What is your opinion? Thank you all for your help.