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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: lingmoor on July 08, 2014, 10:12:55 AM

Title: Floor space factors
Post by: lingmoor on July 08, 2014, 10:12:55 AM

Hi

This is just an 'out of interest' question

Looking through Table C1 of ADB - Floor space factors,  I can't find gymnasium. I know it's purpose group 5 and some of that group are mentioned in Column 2...ie 0.5 m2/person

The thing is, I've seen some gyms that are rammed with equipment (as is the single storey industrial unit one I go to) does anyone know what the criteria for floor space is for a gym?

Number of exits and exit width are taken to be ok.

Ta

Title: Re: Floor space factors
Post by: Mr. P on July 08, 2014, 11:43:55 AM

BS9999 - open plan - 0.6m2/person (where fixed machines are used - based on number of machines provided)... Individual seating 0.4m2...
Consider also additional space around equipment to enable use/egress safely.

Title: Re: Floor space factors
Post by: CWEENG on July 08, 2014, 12:36:55 PM

One of the main issue in relation to gyms and areas that get used for different activities is the use at the time.

A school gym being used for a 5 a side event with no spectators (10 occupants) compared to the same venue being used for a school concert with max seating is vastly different.

Title: Re: Floor space factors
Post by: lingmoor on July 08, 2014, 04:04:48 PM

Thanks for your replies

'based on number of machines provided'

how many m2/person for rammed? :)

Title: Re: Floor space factors
Post by: kurnal on July 08, 2014, 05:26:57 PM

Where the spaces is rammed with machines I would count the machines and assume all are in use to give the occupancy. I would also give the RP a maximum safe figure based around 0.5 sq m / person subject to MOE capacity as a guide, in case the layout of the gym should change.

Title: Re: Floor space factors
Post by: Mike Buckley on July 09, 2014, 09:15:36 AM

Of course if it is rammed with machines actual travel distance may come in as a factor!

Title: Re: Floor space factors
Post by: lingmoor on July 11, 2014, 06:10:14 PM

Thanks again

I was in there today and was wondering why there was an external staircase leading from the changing room/shower area, which is on a mezzanine type first floor that covers just about an sixth of the gym ground floor area, but that's just a guess. the owner told me that it cost him 3 grand to put it in because it was insisted on by building control when the changing rooms went upstairs.

I did a few rough steps and the TD from the changing rooms,down the internal open stairs is approx 15 metres and then there is two way travel from there, well inside the 45 metres TD for two way

There's no auto detection, just fire alarm call points

I can only assume it was because someone could be in the shower at the time of a fire...but maybe I've been out of it far too long

Title: Re: Floor space factors
Post by: G. N. Hamilton on July 29, 2014, 04:23:22 PM

Quote from: Mr. P on July 08, 2014, 11:43:55 AM

BS9999 - open plan - 0.6m2/person (where fixed machines are used - based on number of machines provided)... Individual seating 0.4m2...
Consider also additional space around equipment to enable use/egress safely.

I would agree with this, but it can be difficult to estimate the number of machines that a gym can accommodate (if it's a proposed design), you can refer to NFPA 101 which gives 4.6m2 per person where machines are to be used.