Fire Detection for small hostel.

[A J]

Hi All,

Regarding detection in a hostel.- The building in question is a detached block with  two flats in the basement, two flats at ground level and two flats on the top floor.
There is one fire exit at ground level, a boiler room and the staircase walls & floors are concrete. The hostel is used to house single persons (some with small children)  on a temporary basis.
Currently there is no detection in the premises and no emergency lighting. With it being a hostel I have recommended that the owners fit a L2 system with emergency lighting at each level and the exit.

They have informed me that the building is due to come down in January 2009 and a new premises built on the site, however they accept they have to protect their tenants until then but want to keep costs to a minimum for the detection.

Would it be acceptable to have mains powered detectors in the flats only (as they have 30 minute fire resistance) or must they have detection in the common areas?
If it was acceptable would the flat detectors have to be linked?

I dont want to over prescribe but I do want to adequately protect the tenants.

Your thoughts..

[CivvyFSO]

Is this a hostel or more akin to sheltered housing?

Interlinked part 6 grade D may suffice for a 5 month period.

There could be an argument for staying put if the building is constructed properly, if that was the case then the system you suggested would be ok.

[Rosjes]

If you were to install to part 1, you could always install a small addressable system and radio detection devices such as apollo expander or other. Then of course you could reuse devices if and when new building is constructed.

[Midland Retty]

I wouldn't recommend a stay put policy in this instance as it doesn't sound as if the hostel would have been built for that type of strategy

I would accept your suggestion that interlinked detection in all flats would be best so long as the escape routes are kept sterile.

To me that gives best possible warning of a fire occuring before it starts to threaten the escape routes.

[A J]

Thanks for your thoughts,
On consideration civvy FSO, it is more like sheltered housing as they are individual s/c flats, and Midland I agree that if the communial staircase and lobby is kept sterile and a early warning of fire is achived that would give the tenants the required time to evacuate.
Rosjes great idea and I will add it to my long list of items to discuss with the owners!

[AnthonyB]

I know that at least one radio fire alarm system company does a rental scheme for use in temporary situations such as maintaining cover in large premises whilst a new hardwire system is installed, construction projects etc.

As you would only need cover for a short time, it may be worth looking into this.