Jump to content

Separation between floors in service risers


st1

Recommended Posts

When undertaking a fire risk assessment would you recommend fire stopping (at all floor levels in a multi store residential building) within the service risers even if the service riser itself was constructed to provide 60 minutes protection.  I know this sounds like a belt and braces approach but I hear this often from fire officers in that what they want to see, although I appreciate they can sometimes be incorrect in their approach.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, as Building Regulations is quite clear that you can build risers as a protected shaft without floor separation. It's a horrendously expensive thing to retrofit if done properly and so isn't a simple nice to have so if it isn't needed, don't do it!

Some FRS forget it's not fire certification anymore and they can't ask for anything specific anymore. They can highlight they believe there is a breach of one of the articles of the Fire Safety Order and require that it be resolved (or otherwise disproven) either by formal or informal means and if necessary prosecute if there remains a risk to relevant persons due to inaction or unsatisfactory action by the RP but that is all. They can of course suggest a possible solution (they do not have to though and I've seen some enforcement notices that don't) but it is not binding - the RP can propose a different solution or why they believe no action is necessary and if it's reasonable the fire service have to accept it or the case can go to determination or court.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 years later...

If they are kept locked shut and signed as such then they are excused self closers. If they are in such regular use or a use where locking is impractical (too many different people need access, such as a riser cupboard with a dozen flat's meters in) then a self closer may be more appropriate.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 9 months later...
Guest DFSC32

Reading A.D.B 2019 (2020/ 2021) It states the following " 

Protected shafts should be used for the following only, but may also include sanitary accommodation and washrooms.

  1. Stairs.

  2. Lifts.

  3. Escalators.

  4. Chutes.

  5. Ducts.

  6. Pipes.

  7. Additional provisions apply for both of the following.

    1. Protected shafts that are protected stairways: Sections 2 to 4.

    2. Stairs that are also firefighting stairs: Section 15. "

 

Therefore, my understanding water/ gas cupboards don't need to be fire rated however electrical cupboards do. Assuming this to do with likely hood of fire. 

Be happy for anyone to provide any proof which conflicts this?

P.S - Sorry im late to the party. hoping this will help someone in the future. 🙂 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Protected shafts

8.6  Stairs and service shafts connecting compartments should be protected to restrict the spread of  fire between the compartments. These are called protected shafts. Walls or floors surrounding a protected shaft are considered to be compartment walls or compartment floors.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...