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1 Fire precautions in dwellings Private sector housing Providing homes building communities Version 3 Published by Norwich City Council August 2011
2 Contents Page Introduction 1 2 Types of dwellings (A) Shared houses Two storeys (or less) 3 4 Three or more storeys 5 6 (B) Bedsits Two storeys (or less) 7 8 Three or more storeys 9 10 (C) Converted flats (D) Single family dwellings 13 Appendix Fire precautions what needs to be in place Appendix Fire standards further information Appendix Fire risk assessment form Appendix 4 43 Fire risk assessment form notes
3 Introduction The reason for insisting on fire precautions in houses in dwellings is to save lives and prevent injury by: providing early warning in the event of fire stopping smoke and fire spreading before residents have a chance of escape ensuring residents have a protected means of escape. Residents in a HMO (house in multiple occupation) are potentially at greater risk. In general terms, an HMO means accommodation where two or more households share amenities where a household includes families, single people and couples. Fire guidance This guidance sets out the fire precautions which the council would expect in different types of HMO properties and also for single family dwellings. Each property is unique. It is therefore not possible to have prescribed standards. However this guide is aimed at providing an understanding of the minimum standards required. In drawing up this guidance, reference has been made to the national fire guide Housing fire safety published by Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (Lacors). The layout plans in this guide makes reference to the Lacors document. The guidance has been drawn up with Norfolk Fire Service under the terms of the: joint service level agreement between Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norwich City Council. Risk assessments The fire precautions which are appropriate in a property will vary. They will depend on the circumstances at the property. The circumstances taken into account include, for example: number of residents number of floors arrangements for cooking layout and ease of escape in the event of fire the presence of fire escape windows construction of the building and flammability of building elements safety of appliances and services such as gas and electricity whether part of the building is used commercially The decisions concerning the standards which will be necessary are based on risk assessments carried out under: the Housing Health and Safety Rating Scheme under Part 1 Housing Act 2004 the Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety) Order
4 Housing Health and Safety Rating Scheme (HHSRS) The HHSRS is a new tool for assessing the living conditions of a property. The system is based on 29 possible hazards to the most vulnerable occupiers. The Housing Act 2004 requires local authorities to use the HHSRS to assess conditions in dwellings. The HHSRS is therefore used to assess risk from fire in HMOs and single family dwellings. Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) Persons who are responsible persons under the terms of the RRO have a legal obligation to carry out risk assessments. Responsible persons include: owners and persons having control of the dwelling which can mean agents. Failure to carry out a fire risk assessment is an offence enforced by the fire service who can ask to see a copy of your risk assessment at anytime. You can either undertake a fire risk assessment yourself or pay a consultancy to carry it out. The aims of the assessment are: to identify potential fire hazards to detail options for reducing the risk from those hazards to as low a risk as possible to decide what physical precautions and management arrangements are necessary to ensure the safety of people in your premises if the fire starts. The assessment should also record any significant findings namely specific problems which need urgent attention. General This guide outlines the fire precautions which we would expect to find in an HMO. In appendix 1 there is a flow chart with layout plans and schedules of the standards expected in different types of HMOs. In appendix 2 there are summary notes on the fire precautions highlighted in appendix 1. More detailed information can be found in Lacors national fire guidance Housing fire safety. In appendix 3 there is a specimen risk assessment form to guide landlords in their risk assessments, and guidance notes in appendix 4. Please contact: Private sector housing City Hall Norwich NR2 1NH t: e: 2
5 Types of dwellings (A) Shared houses, two storeys These include houses where the residents live together as friends (such as a group of students or work mates). The fire precautions required for this type of property depend upon the risks involved. Risks can depend on factors such as: the number of people sharing the stability of the group (do residents keep moving out and being replaced?) the vulnerability of the occupants (for example children or elderly persons, physically or mentally disabled persons) whether there are cooking facilities in the rooms whether the first floor windows are suitable for emergency escape the construction and the layout of the property whether all rooms have close fitting doors whether there is an adverse risk of arson (for instance is the property used for persons retreating from domestic violence). A typical house would include one shared kitchen and there may also be a shared living room or dining room. There would be six or less occupants and no vulnerable persons. Means of escape Means of escape refers to the provision of a safe route of escape in the event of fire. Escape routes includes: the stairways, hallways, landing areas and corridors leading from each risk room to the final exit and place of safety. The escape must usually be protected to a minimum level of 30 minutes fire protection. This will include fire doors opening out into escape routes. However, in a typical low risk shared house a protected means of escape (fire doors etc) will not be required. Fire detection A Grade D LD3 system is required. This means: Grade D Mains powered interlinked detectors each with an integral standby supply (battery back up). LD3 The detectors are to be in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape route (typically in corridors and landings) and in rooms or areas that present a high fire risk* to occupants. * Risk rooms: This includes all rooms used for living and/or sleeping accommodation and kitchens. It does not include bathrooms unless there is an ignition source (such as any electrical item other than fixed lighting). 3
6 Extinguishers and blankets A 2kg multi purpose dry powder extinguisher to BS EN 3:1996 is required in each room with cooking facilities. All extinguishers are to be wall mounted on wall brackets in accordance with BS 5428: 1987, with carrying handle approximately 1m above ground level, maintained in good order and readily available for use at all times. A wall mounted fire blanket situated approximately 1.5m above floor level to comply with BS EN 1869:1997 is required in all rooms containing cooking facilities. Fire fighting equipment must be maintained in accordance with BS 5306:Part 3:1988. Emergency lighting Emergency lighting may be required if the protected escape route is not provided with adequate background light either natural or borrowed from street lighting to ensure the safe movement to the final exit door. Where emergency lighting is provided it must comply with BS 5266 Part 1:1988. Please note: The exit from the building should not involve going through a risk room, such as a bedroom, living room or kitchen. The route out of a building has to be kept clear, free from ignition sources, free from furniture and stored goods. A bedroom or a living room would not be able to provide this protection. In situations where this does occur a satisfactory alternative route must be provided. Please refer to the floor plans in Appendix 1 for an example of how this can be carried out. 4
7 Shared houses, three or more storeys This includes houses built with three storeys or houses with converted basements or attics. The type of resident will typically be the same as a two storey shared house (although there may be six or more persons). Means of escape A house with three or more storeys is considered higher risk. This means that the escape route needs protecting. A route of escape typically includes the main staircases and all corridors/landings that a person would have to travel through to reach the front door. A protected route of escape means: that all walls between the escape route and risk rooms must be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps in walls for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2) that all ceilings between the route of escape and risk rooms* must be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2) that cupboards leading onto the means of escape should be emptied of flammable goods and kept locked that understairs soffitts must be underlined to provide 30 minutes fire protection understairs cupboards must be emptied of flammable goods and kept locked that all cupboards containing risk of ignition (such as electrical fuse boards or water heaters) must be 30 minutes fire protected that all doors leading from risk rooms* onto the means of escape must be 30 minutes fire and smoke protected that there is no storage on the means of escape the final exit door should be capable of being opened from inside without the use of a key walls and ceilings dividing risk rooms* must be fire protected and capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps in walls for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2). Sprinkler systems A domestic sprinkler system may be considered. In some cases where a domestic sprinkler system and an alarm system is installed it may not be necessary to provide certain structural features such as fire doors, fire extinguishers, or to upgrade walls and staircases. Any installation must be installed in accordance with BS 9251:2005. If such a system is being considered this must be carried out in consultation with the council s private sector housing team. * Risk rooms: This includes all rooms used for living and/or sleeping accommodation and kitchens. It does not include bathrooms unless there is an ignition source (such as any electrical item except fixed lighting). 5
8 Fire detection In most cases a Grade D LD2 system is required (see appendix 2). This means: Grade D LD2 Mains powered interlinked detectors each with an integral standby supply (battery back up). The detectors are to be in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape route (typically in corridors and landings) and in rooms or areas that present a high fire risk* to occupants. * Risk rooms: This includes all rooms used for living and/or sleeping accommodation and kitchens. It does not include bathrooms unless there is an ignition source. * Any electrical item Extinguishers and blankets A 2kg multi purpose dry powder extinguisher to BS EN 3:1996 is required in each room with cooking facilities. All extinguishers are to be wall mounted on wall brackets in accordance with BS 5428: 1987, with carrying handle approximately 1m above ground level, maintained in good order and readily available for use at all times. A wall mounted fire blanket situated approximately 1.5m above floor level to comply with BS EN 1869:1997 is required in all rooms containing cooking facilities. Fire fighting equipment must be maintained in accordance with BS 5306:Part 3:1988. Emergency lighting Emergency lighting may be required if the protected escape route is not provided with adequate background light either natural or borrowed from street lighting to ensure the safe movement to the final exit door. Where emergency lighting is provided it must comply with BS 5266 Part 1:
9 (B) Bedsit type accommodation, two storeys These are typically houses where the tenants have their own room/rooms but the units are not fully self contained (there is some sharing of either a kitchen or a bathroom). Means of escape The escape route needs protecting. A route of escape typically includes the main staircases and all corridors/landings that a person would have to travel through to reach the front door. A protected route of escape means: that all walls between the escape route and risk rooms must be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps in walls for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2) that all ceilings between the route of escape and risk rooms* must be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2) that cupboards leading onto the means of escape should be emptied of flammable goods and kept locked that understairs soffitts must be underlined to provide 30 minutes fire protection understairs cupboards must be emptied of flammable goods and kept locked that all cupboards containing risk of ignition (such as electrical fuse boards or water heaters) must be 30 minutes fire protected that all doors leading from risk rooms* onto the means of escape must be 30 minutes fire and smoke protected that there is no storage on the means of escape the final exit door should be capable of being opened from inside without the use of a key walls and ceilings dividing risk rooms* must be fire protected and be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps in walls for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2). Sprinkler systems A domestic sprinkler system may be considered. In some cases where a domestic sprinkler system and an alarm system is installed it may not be necessary to provide certain structural features such as fire doors, fire extinguishers, or to upgrade walls and staircases. Any installation must be installed in accordance with BS 9251:2005. If such a system is being considered this must be carried out in consultation with the council s private sector housing team. * Risk rooms: This includes all rooms used for living and/or sleeping accommodation and kitchens. It does not include bathrooms unless there is an ignition source (such as any electrical item except fixed lighting). 7
10 Fire detection In most cases a Grade D LD2 system is required (see appendix 2). This means: Grade D Mains powered interlinked detectors each with an integral standby supply (battery back up). LD2 The detectors are to be in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape route (typically in corridors and landings) and in rooms or areas that present a high fire risk* to occupants. Extinguishers and blankets A 2kg multi purpose dry powder extinguisher to BS EN 3:1996 is required in each room with cooking facilities. All extinguishers are to be wall mounted on wall brackets in accordance with BS 5428: 1987, with carrying handle approximately 1m above ground level, maintained in good order and readily available for use at all times. A wall mounted fire blanket situated approximately 1.5m above floor level to comply with BS EN 1869:1997 is required in all rooms containing cooking facilities. Fire fighting equipment must be maintained in accordance with BS 5306:Part 3:1988. Emergency lighting Emergency lighting may be required if the protected escape route is not provided with adequate background light either natural or borrowed from street lighting to ensure the safe movement to the final exit door. Where emergency lighting is provided it must comply with BS 5266 Part 1:1988. * Risk rooms: This includes all rooms used for living and/or sleeping accommodation and kitchens. It does not include bathrooms unless there is an ignition source (such as a water heater). 8
11 Bedsit type accommodation, three or more storeys Means of escape A house with three or more storeys is considered higher risk. The route of escape needs protecting. A route of escape typically includes the main staircases and all corridors/landings that a person would have to travel through to reach the front door. A protected route of escape means: that all walls between the escape route and risk rooms must be capable of giving half hour fire and smoke protection. Gaps in walls for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2) that all ceilings between the route of escape and risk rooms* must be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2) that cupboards leading onto the means of escape should be emptied of flammable goods and kept locked that understairs soffitts must be underlined to provide 30 minutes fire protection understairs cupboards must be emptied of flammable goods and kept locked that all cupboards containing risk of ignition (such as electrical fuse boards or water heaters) must be 30 minutes fire protected that all doors leading from risk rooms* onto the means of escape must be 30 minutes fire and smoke protected that there is no storage on the means of escape the final exit door should be capable of being opened from inside without the use of a key walls and ceilings dividing risk rooms* must be fire protected and be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps in walls for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2). Sprinkler systems A domestic sprinkler system may be considered. In some cases where a domestic sprinkler system and an alarm system is installed it may not be necessary to provide certain structural features such as fire doors, fire extinguishers, or to upgrade walls and staircases. Any installation must be installed in accordance with BS 9251:2005. If such a system is being considered this must be carried out in consultation with the council s private sector housing. * Risk rooms: This includes all rooms used for living and/or sleeping accommodation and kitchens. It does not include bathrooms unless there is an ignition source (such as any electrical item except fixed lighting). 9
12 Fire detection In most cases a Grade D LD2 system is required (see appendix 2). This means: Grade D LD2 Mains powered interlinked detectors each with an integral standby supply (battery back up), with central control equipment. The detectors are to be in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape route (typically in corridors and landings) and in rooms or areas that present a high fire risk* to occupants. When identified large, high risk HMOs will require a Grade D LD2 system in the individual dwelling units and a Grade A LD2 system in the communal areas. * Risk rooms: This includes all rooms used for living and/or sleeping accommodation and kitchens. It does not include bathrooms unless there is an ignition source. * Any electrical item Extinguishers and blankets A 2kg multi purpose dry powder extinguisher to BS EN 3:1996 is required in each room with cooking facilities. All extinguishers are to be wall mounted on wall brackets in accordance with BS 5428: 1987, with carrying handle approximately 1m above ground level, maintained in good order and readily available for use at all times. A wall mounted fire blanket situated approximately 1.5m above floor level to comply with BS EN 1869:1997 is required in all rooms containing cooking facilities. Fire fighting equipment must be maintained in accordance with BS 5306:Part 3:1988. Emergency lighting Emergency lighting may be required if the protected escape route is not provided with adequate background light either natural or borrowed from street lighting to ensure the safe movement to the final exit door. Where emergency lighting is provided it must comply with BS 5266 Part 1:
13 (C) Converted flats This category includes buildings converted into flats where the conversion was carried out before 1 June 1992, or if it has been converted since 1992 but does not meet standards set in the Building Regulations Means of escape The escape route needs protecting. A route of escape typically includes the main staircases and all common corridors/landings that a person would have to travel through to reach the front door. A protected route of escape means: that all walls between the escape route and risk rooms must be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps in walls for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2) that all ceilings between the route of escape and risk rooms* must be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2) that cupboards leading onto the means of escape should be emptied of flammable goods and kept locked that understairs soffitts must be underlined to provide 30 minutes fire protection understairs cupboards must be emptied of flammable goods and kept locked that all cupboards containing risk of ignition (such as electrical fuse boards or water heaters) must be 30 minutes fire protected that all doors leading from risk rooms* onto the means of escape must be 30 minutes fire and smoke protected that there is no storage on the means of escape the final exit door should be capable of being opened from inside without the use of a key walls and ceilings dividing risk rooms* must be fire protected and be capable of giving 30 minutes fire and smoke protection. Gaps in walls for pipes and cables must be filled to provide protection. Unkeyed plaster (particularly lath and plaster) will need to be upgraded (see appendix 2). Sprinkler systems A domestic sprinkler system may be considered. In some cases where a domestic sprinkler system and an alarm system is installed it may not be necessary to provide certain structural features such as fire doors, fire extinguishers, or to upgrade walls and staircases. Any installation must be installed in accordance with BS 9251:2005. If such a system is being considered this must be carried out in consultation with the council s private sector housing team. * Risk rooms: This includes all rooms used for living and/or sleeping accommodation and kitchens. It does not include bathrooms unless there is an ignition source (such as any electrical item except fixed lighting). 11
14 Fire detection In buildings where some or all of the flats are rented, a Grade D LD2 system is required (see appendix 2). This means: Grade D LD 2 Mains powered interlinked detectors each with an integral standby supply (battery back up). The detectors should be sited: in all circulation spaces in the common areas (for example in all landings and in the entrance hall) in each flat, situated in the room/lobby that leads onto the means of escape (ie near to the front door to the flat). Extinguishers and blankets A 2kg multi purpose dry powder extinguisher to BS EN 3:1996 is required in each room with cooking facilities. All extinguishers are to be wall mounted on wall brackets in accordance with BS 5428: 1987, with carrying handle approximately 1m above ground level, maintained in good order and readily available for use at all times. A wall mounted fire blanket situated approximately 1.5m above floor level to comply with BS EN 1869:1997 is required in all rooms containing cooking facilities. Fire fighting equipment must be maintained in accordance with BS 5306:Part 3:1988. Emergency lighting Emergency lighting may be required if the protected escape route is not provided with adequate background light either natural or borrowed from street lighting to ensure the safe movement to the final exit door. Where emergency lighting is provided it must comply with BS 5266 Part 1:
15 (D) Single family dwellings Fire precautions in dwellings This category is typically a dwelling that is not an HMO. This would include a self contained flat or house occupied by either a family, a couple, a single person, two people living together. In a house of less than three storeys a Grade F system is required. This means one or more battery-powered smoke alarms (usually in the entrance hall and first floor landing). In a house of three or more storeys it is advisable to fit a Grade D LD3 system. This will ensure that any person who has the furthest distance to get to an exit, has an early warning of fire. This means: Grade D Mains powered interlinked detectors each with an integral standby supply (battery back up). LD3 Fire blanket The detectors are to be in all circulation spaces that form part of the escape route (typically in corridors and landings). A wall mounted fire blanket, situated approximately 1.5m above floor level, to comply with BS EN 1869:1997 is required in all rooms with cooking facilities. 13
16 Appendix 1: Fire precautions what needs to be in place As each property is unique we can not plan for every scenario but we have provided a flow chart and different layouts that should help you provide the relevant fire precaution. For further information and guidance there are page references to the national guidance Housing fire safety published by the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (Lacors). When using the flow chart you need to consider how it relates specifically to your property in relation to the following. Number of residents. Number of floors. Arrangements for cooking. Layout and ease of escape in the event of fire. The presence of fire escape windows. Construction of the building and flammability of building elements. Safety of appliances and services such as gas and electricity. Whether part of the building is used commercially. Furnishings. Likely behaviour and activities of tenants. This flowchart has been designed to support you in making the right decisions concerning fire precautions and also help you in writing your risk assessments. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires landlords to write and keep current a fire risk assessment so we hope you find it helpful. However, if you have any queries or concerns, please contact us. Private sector housing City Hall Norwich NR2 1NH t: e: 14
17 Flow chart to assist in selecting fire precautions which need to be taken depending on the layout of the accommodation. Use the flow chart below to find out which layout best matches your property. A brief description is given of possible layouts and this guides you to the layout and the appropriate fire precautions. Please note that not all the options have layout plans. However a description of the appropriate fire precautions is provided. Layout of property Escape windows Layout or description reference Shared house Corridor to outside from bottom of stairs Are the first floor windows emergency escape windows YES NO Layout A1 Layout A2 Shared house Access to outside via dining room and kitchen to rear and living room to the front Are the first floor windows emergency escape windows YES NO Layout B1 Layout B2 Shared house Access to outside via dining room and kitchen to rear and bedroom to the front Are the first floor windows emergency escape windows YES NO Layout C1 Layout C2 Shared house. Two bedrooms on first floor Staircase descends direct into the living room Escape windows to both bedrooms Escape window to front bedroom only. Layout D1 Layout D2 15
18 Layout of property Escape windows Layout or description reference Shared house. Three bedrooms on first floor Staircase descends direct into the living room Escape windows to all first floor bedrooms No escape windows to first floor bedrooms Layout E1 Layout E1 or Layout E2 Bedsit accommodation One to three storeys Cooking in bedsit rooms Layout F Shared accommodation One to three storeys Shared cooking and washing facilities Layout G Shared or bedsit accommodation Four or more storeys Description H Single family let One or two storeys Description I Self contained flats Two or more storeys Description J 16
19 Index key: Layout A1 House type: Shared house Layout: Two storey LAYOUT A1 Escape windows Fire precautions 1) Fire alarm system Grade D LD3+ system Grade D system: A system of mains powered interlinked smoke and heat detectors with integral battery back-up. LD3+ detection. Detection in the following areas: Smoke detectors: Hallway Landing Living room Heat detectors: Kitchen 2) Doors Close fitting doors of sound construction. 3) Equipment Fire blanket and 2kg dry powder extinguisher in the kitchen. 4) Emergency lighting Emergency light on first floor landing. Ground floor: Corridor linking the stairs to the front door. First floor: Fire escape windows in first floor rooms. Notes: National fire guidance is provided by Lacors in its guide: Housing fire safety. This guide can be seen at: Read the following pages in guide for further information. 1. Fire alarm system: Pages Fire doors: Pages Escape window: Page Emergency lighting: Pages Fire fight equipment: Page 28 17