[
Clearly, it makes sense to opt for alarms in living rooms… and
consider bedrooms as well
]
circulation area might be quite short and “might not prevent death or serious injury of occupants of the room where fire originates”.
Which rooms? Clearly, it makes sense to opt for Category LD2 and alarms in living rooms. Self-builders might also consider interconnected smoke alarms in bedrooms as well to awaken sleeping occu- pants. Or, as an alternative, some manufacturers offer carbon monoxide alarms that can also act as ‘sounders’ for the smoke alarm system in the event of a fire – ideal for bedroom use. And with over 60 per cent of all domestic fires start- ing in kitchens, installing heat alarms should be a priority in all kitchens too. While many fires are started accidentally by occupants in the kitchen – particularly with chip
pans – other less obvious sources may go unno- ticed. There has been a spate of extractor units catching fire, as well as other faulty electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers. This is a particu- larly serious problem when they have been left on while occupants are asleep at night, to make the most of low tariff electricity rates. There is a convincing case for installing heat alarms in all kitchens. After all, the additional cost compared with, say, a complete kitchen fit-out is negligible.
Which alarms? The Code of Practice BS 5839-6:2013 also reviews various types of alarm and what they do best. Ionisation smoke alarms are sensitive to small smoke particles from rapidly burning, flaming fires but less so for smouldering fires and smoke that has travelled some distance. Optical smoke alarms are sensitive to larger particles from smouldering fires and less prone to nui- sance alarms than their ionisation equivalents, especially from steam. Nuisance alarms result in disabling and could lead to death or serious injury. Heat alarms respond more slowly to fires than smoke alarms but are less likely to give nui- sance alarms and require less maintenance. They must always be interlinked with smoke alarms. The Code recommends which types of alarm
are most suited to specific areas, based on these performance characteristics:
• Circulation areas (halls and landings) – optical smoke alarms
• Kitchens and garages – heat alarms • Principal living room – ionisation smoke alarms
• Bedrooms – optical smoke alarms
The positioning of smoke and heat alarms within a room is important as well. They should preferably be ceiling-mounted, at least 300 mm (horizontally) from walls or light fittings.
Enq. 154
A simple yet elegant solution from Phoenix Phoenix
Balustrading
was
commissioned by TMCS Architectural Consultants to design and supply a Juliet Balcony for their client in Leicestershire. TMCS Architectural Consultants designed an extension to their property and to maximise the amount of light into the first floor room they included French doors into the plans and therefore a balustrading solution was needed. Phoenix balustrading was given the brief to design a glass balustrade
that didn’t obscure the view to the outside, therefore the posts for the balcony was positioned in front of the door frame. This created a simply yet elegant solution.
Enq. 155 Dryseal –the solution for your extension
A rise in extending homes can be seen in the last three years rather than move to a bigger house. This is due to house prices, re-location, school catchment areas and the list goes on. So what does a home owner want when fitting a roof covering for the extra room Most lists usually include: a established, accredited product; a good looking material; impact resistance; easy installation; easy maintenance and a meaningful, insured 20-year guarantee. The
Dryseal GRP membrane system from Hambleside Danelaw delivers all the above, and more. Visit the company’s website for examples of numerous projects on housing installations, including orangeries and conservatories.
Enq. 156 selfbuilder & homemaker
www.sbhonline.co.uk 47
BESPOKE SPIRAL STAIRCASES
www.spiralstairsystems.co.uk info@spiralstairsystems.co.uk 01794 522444
COMPLETE STAIR SYSTEMS
Enq. 157
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