FireNet Community
FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: alfi on December 09, 2008, 08:43:48 AM
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I have a building with an external steel fire exit that needs some refurbshment work or replacement, it is one of two escapes. my question is would i have to now recommend upgrading the glazing wthin 1800mm so its fire rated, currently its not, is this retrospetive?, as it could be very costly
ta
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I have a building with an external steel fire exit that needs some refurbshment work or replacement, it is one of two escapes. my question is would i have to now recommend upgrading the glazing wthin 1800mm so its fire rated, currently its not, is this retrospetive?, as it could be very costly
ta
Depends on the type of building, who and how many would be expected to use it.
I would determine if it is required and, if so, assess if modifications can be undertaken internally to remove the need for it.
A FRA may require it be protected which it probably should have been in the first place.
But further info on the layout with a plan would be helpful.
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The benchmark would be for the windows to be protected. However you may consider other factors in making your decision.
What is the building used for?
How high is it
How long are the travel distances inside the bulding
Are the alternative routes protected from the effects of fire
Is there any chance that a fire in any location could simultaneously affect both staircases
what are the rooms with windows opening onto the staircase- toilets are not a problem.
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Thanks Guys,
The building is two storey Part B says if a new exteranl staircase is being installed it should have the glazing upgraded i.e I could advise shutters i suppose, I'm just confused as it is replacing like for like as the old one is corroded, would it have to now be to Part B standards, if it does them surely the glazing within the 1800mm would have to be upgraded. but if we just repaired it, would it them still have to be upgraded.
sorry if this sounds confusing
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Tony - Whether you are replacing or repairing the staircase is irrelevant- either the glazing needs to be upgraded or it doesn't.
If you answer some more of the questions in my earlier posting then we would be better placed to advise you. At the moment we dont even know if the fire safety order applies to your building.
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Thanks Guys,
The building is two storey Part B says if a new exteranl staircase is being installed it should have the glazing upgraded i.e I could advise shutters i suppose, I'm just confused as it is replacing like for like as the old one is corroded, would it have to now be to Part B standards, if it does them surely the glazing within the 1800mm would have to be upgraded. but if we just repaired it, would it them still have to be upgraded.
sorry if this sounds confusing
Tony. There is also the possibility that it may not be needed. If it quite corroded it must be there quite a while.
I have had a situation similar to yours recently where the internal layout had changed over time and subsequently meant that the 3 storey external fire escape was no longer required and was therefore removed. Buildings and standards do change over time.
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Is there any chance that a fire in any location could simultaneously affect both staircases
I personally think that is the main issue.