Hyperion

Great reply as always. Thanks

Purpose built Hostel type premise. Good level of compartmentation. Presumably built initially for a stay put with one S/D and one heat in kitchen Grade D non interlinked. However the communal area part one system has been linked to the small flats with one detector in the hall. The sounders are external though in the communal areas. is the level of flat detection still commensurate with the current full evacuation? Presumably the sounder decibel level would have to be audible but what about the two non interlinked grade Ds? Link them to the part one or is one detector in the hall way enough?

What’s peoples opinion on a desk top review within the compliance date period for an FRA? Some works have been carried out and the client has provided photos of the FANs being updated and other minor remedial works. They have requested a desktop review and to update the FRA with the new information. However, RIBA recently announced that desk top reviews should be banned. They cited that “desktop reviews have been a significant contributing factor in regulatory failure”. Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I have read that fire doors with overhead mounted self closers require a minimum of grade 13 hinges. This is due to the increased stress on the hinge. Is this correct?

Thanks Jeff, much appreciated

Is there a more durable solution than drop down seals? The premise I recently inspected has a high transit of users and the seals are becoming damaged easily. Hardwood strips on the communal doors would be a trip hazard I assume. recommendations would be gratefully received.

Ive suggested multisensor heads if the rationale was due to sensitive heads being activated. I’ve also highlighted that smoke logging will occur potentially before activation of the heat detectors.

General needs block of flats. All the smoke heads have been taken out of the flats and replaced solely with heat detectors. This was done to cut down on false alarms as the smoke heads were causing signals from cooking, aerosols, steam etc. Does BS 5839-6:2019 condone this?

Thanks for your replies

I’ve come across these a couple of times now. Both times I haven’t found any grading or BS EN stamp. Can anybody confirm these are rated to FD30 doors? Thanks

Depends what the fire action is.

Thanks for the replies. Confirmed my thoughts.

Its sited on the ceiling.

Often wondered why directional adhesive stickers are placed over emergency lights. Surely it would affect the lux? Any thoughts?

I’ve come across quite a few small blocks of general needs flats (G-2) approx 6 flats. Where they’ve been built for stay put with a Grade D1 in place in each flat (not linked between flats) and a separate communal fire alarm in the communal lobby, stairs, corridors areas etc. Im of the opinion that general needs blocks designed to support a ‘stay put’ policy, it is unnecessary and undesirable for a fire alarm system to be provided. A communal fire detection and alarm system will inevitably lead to a proliferation of false alarms. This will impose a burden on fire and rescue services and lead to residents ignoring warnings of genuine fires. Communal Fire detection may also promote evacuation into smoke filled communal areas. Any thoughts?