Safety & Regulation
Smoke & Fire Protection Feature
New Scottish measures herald a fresh, straightforward approach to fire and carbon monoxide safety, recognising the key role of alarms as the first line of defence, providing critical early warning at low costs
Currently, AD B relies on BS 5839-6, stating that: ‘All new dwellinghouses
should be provided with a fire detection and fire alarm system in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6:2004 to at least a Grade D Category LD3 standard’. In addition, AD B recommends a heat alarm only where the kitchen area is not separated from the stairway or circulation space by a door.
CONFLICTING STANDARDS However, this AD B guidance conflicts directly with the ‘relevant recommendations’ of the current BS 5839-6:2013 – the very standard that it is based on. Notably, BS 5839-6:2013 recommends a minimum Category LD2 (including heat alarms in all kitchens) where Building Regulations apply. So, AD B guidance on fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings must now be completely reviewed to remove the confusion of conflicting recommendations and to adopt the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6 correctly, including a minimum level of protection of Category LD2. The right provision of alarms – to detect fire or CO, and also ensure that
occupants are alerted throughout the home – is critical. Certified CPD presentations and documents such as Kidde’s ‘Guide to regulations & standards’ can help clarify the issues involved.
Door closer’s fire credentials enhanced
HOUSING MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE IS INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED BY ABC
44 | HMM April/May 2019 |
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
Samuel Heath’s commitment to ensuring that its Powermatic controlled, concealed door closers provide the ultimate assurance in quality and performance has been further underlined with the successful completion of additional full-sized fire testing on both timber and steel fire doors at renowned testing laboratory, Exova Warrington Fire. 30-minute testing in accordance with BS EN 1634-1 was undertaken on a timber fire door constructed with a Halspan core to replace Powermatic’s current small-scale indicative testing for the BS476 assessment. The door set easily achieved the 30-minute test requirements, continuing until final failure occurred at 42 minutes. Significantly, where most timber door fire tests fail due to failure of the hinge/timber joint, which causes the door to drop and intumescent seal to break at the top of the door, Powermatic was actually shown to hold the door in place after the hinge/timber joint failure. This is attributed to the design, strength and location of Powermatic, which fits in a similar position to hinges, between the door and door frame. The uninsulated steel door passed the four- hour test comfortably. As a result, the test evidence will allow certification to cover both insulated and non-insulated doors at any fire rating up to and including four hours.
0121 766 4200
www.concealeddoorclosers.com
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