Fire Safety Flashcards
What sort of things does the Fire Regulatory Safety 2005 impose on people?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – the Fire Safety Order – provides a framework for regulating fire safety in all non-domestic premises including workplaces and the parts of multi-occupied residential buildings used in common in England and Wales.
It places a requirement on any person who some level of control in premises to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk and make sure people can escape safely if there is one.
The order applies to virtually all premises regardless of whether they are permanent or temporary buildings.
The FSO does not apply to privately owned buildings including individual flats.
Who are the duty holders under the legislation?
If you have control of the premises:
- Business owner
- Employer
- Landlord
Whoever maintains control of the property, you are the responsible person and ultimately accountable for the fire safety of that premises and the individuals within it.
Think about your school, who would be the responsible person?
In a school it’s the headteacher. He/she may delegate it to a member of staff but ultimately it’s still his/hers responsibility.
What sort of frequency does a FRA need to be undertaken?
Every 4 years and reviewed every 12months.
A new FRA may need to be undertaken if you have carried out a major scheme.
How would you manage services passing through a fire-rated wall?
Any holes made for services were sealed using intumescent fillers and sealant.
How did you specify the fire doors?
I specified BM Trada Certified Fire Doors.
The doors specified provided the contractor with a list of items for the proposed fire doors. It was stipulated with the specification that the contractor refers to the global assessment to provide a compliant fire door to BM Trada Certification.
To sign-off the fire doors, is there anything in particular you’d be looking for?
I would want certification for the manufacture and installation of the fire doors.
I would also be looking for a stamp to the top of the door.
What are the main components of a fire door?
- Door core;
- Glazing and beads;
- Hinges;
- Intumescent strips and smoke seals;
- Door closer;
- Handles;
- Locks;
- Signage
Are you aware of any standards with regards to fire doors?
BS 8214 - Code of practice for fire door assemblies
BS 9999 - Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.
What should be identifiable on all products to ensure trust, safety and quality?
Kitemark
What is the Building Safety Act 2022?
It amends the Building Act 1984 following Grenfell tower:
- stricter regulatory regime to govern the design, construction and maintenance of the built environment
- The act establishes new ‘Dutyholder’ obligations for clients, designers and contractors working on most buildings covered by the building regulations
- Extended limitation periods
What would you look for on a fire door?
Is the door notional or is it stamped?
If notional, check the door components for compliance against BS 8214.
Are the products kitemarked?
Are you aware of any recent changes to the approved documents with regards to fire?
Recent changes in 2022:
- introduce sprinklers in all new blocks of flats over 11metrs in height
- Improve wayfinding signage
Upcoming in December 2022:
What are the different classes of fire?
Class A - Combustible Materials
Class B - Flammable Liquids
Class C - Flammable Gases
Class D - Combustible Metals
Electrical Symbol - Electrical Fires
Class F - Cooking Oils
What is the guidance document for schools?
Building Bulletin 100 - design for fire safety in schools.
What is the difference between active and passive fire protection?
Active fire protection is about detecting, stopping and escaping fire
Passive fire protection means containing the fire and preventing is from spreading further
Cab you give me an example of some active fire protection (AFP)?
- Extinguishers
- Water sprinklers and spray systems
- Smoke ventilation systems
- Emergency escape lighting
- Fire Alarm Systems
- Wet and Dry Risers
Cab you give me an example of some passive fire protection (PFP)?
Fundamental component for fire protection. It’s role has been greatly highlighted since the Grenfell Tower tragedy
PFP is a set of components to compartmentalise a building in order to keep a fire spreading:
- Fire resistant walls and floors
- Fire doors
- Fire stopping
- Fire dampers (automatically close upon heat detection)
What is a dry riser?
A system of valves and pipework which enables the fire service to pump water onto the upper floors of a building.
What is a wet riser?
Similar to a dry riser except the system is permanently charge with water, generally utilising pumps and tanks.
