Level 3 - Fire Regulations Flashcards
On Devonshire Row (D&B) why was the secondary set of fire doors a cost to the Client? Was it not the Contractors responsibility to ensure the building was compliant with building regulations?
The ER’s specified bespoke reeded glass entrance doors (it was not specified these doors has to be fire rated) Building control requested proof the doors were 60 min fire rated and they needed to be sent to a factory to gain the fire certification. This would have caused a delay to the programme so the Client agreed to introduce a secondary set of fire doors as a solution to main programme as a post contract client change.
What was the cost of the secondary set of fire doors on Devonshire Row?
£11k - Doors were clad in mild steel and were connected to the fire alarm system. This included stripping out the existing wall linings and fire stopping.
What was the building regulation which stipulated Fire Doors on Devonshire Row?
Approved Document B (fire safety) volume 2:
Buildings other than dwellings, 2019 edition incorporating 2020 amendments
What is the purpose Approved Document B (fire safety)?
Approved Document B addresses fire safety precautions which must be adhered to, to ensure the safety of occupants, firefighters and those close to the building in the event of a fire.
It covers means:
Means of escape
Ability to isolate a blaze to prevent from spreading
Fire detection and warning systems
Materials used in a building prevent fires spreading
What is the Fire Safety Act 2021?
Legislation post Grenfell introduced to clarify who if responsible for managing and reducing fire risks in multi-occupied residential buildings.
Puts new obligations to leaseholders, building owners and managers
Is advising on fire requirements part of your role as a QS?
No and is not covered in our PI insurance.
I advised the client on the stipulations from building control and that a post contract client change instruction may be the best solution to maintain programme
What is the Hackitt Report?
Following Grenfell in 2017 the Government announced an independent review of the building regulations and fire safety
Sets out recommendations reform within the industry, particularly in regards to high rise residential prorperties
What where some of the outcomes of the Hackitt Report?
Mandatory sprinkler systems and consistent wayfinding signage in all new high-rise blocks of flats over 11 metres tall
What is fire compartmentation?
Helps prevent the spread of smoke and fire by subdividing the building and ensuring escape routes are protected
When changed have been made to approved document B fire safety (June 2022)
Changed focus on:
Ban of combustible materials in external walls
Secure information boxes are required for residential buildings over 11m (containing documents intended to assist fire services during a fire)
New recommendations for evacuation alert systems in residential buildings over 18m
What are the document volumes in approved doc B
Vol 1 - Dwellings
Vol 2 - Buildings other than dwellings
How could you prevent the spread of fire?
Fire Doors
Fire barriers
Non combustible materials
Fire alarms
