Hello,

I'm wondering about a block of flats that I visited that was built circa 1960 and has four floors. The ground floor are only private garages and the upper three floors have 2 flats each - opening into the stairway.

The block has a stay-put policy.

However, there doesn't seem to be anyway of controlling the smoke. Although there are large windows on each floor, they can't be opened. There are no ceiling vents.

What is the correct way of going forward? Would they be obligated to create some sort of smoke control method, e.g. install openable windows? And if they should install openable windows, does it have to be on every floor, or only on the top floor?

Thanks.

That's up to the Fire Risk Assessment which could suggest, as an existing older building, either the openable windows at each landing, a permanent vent at the head or an AOV whichever is easiest to implement.

Thank you Anthony for your help.

Moshe