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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: Tadees on April 04, 2017, 04:24:30 PM

Title: Boiler Room Vent & Material Alteration
Post by: Tadees on April 04, 2017, 04:24:30 PM

Would the addition of a vent on an external wall to a boiler room in sheltered accommodation constitute a ?material alteration? for the purpose of fire safety? 

The boiler room is sited in the same corridor as the dwelling units, but all dwellings, should they opt to evacuate, can turn their back on a fire in the boiler room. 

The real question is does the addition of a vent to an outside wall make the building being less satisfactory than it was before in relation to compliance with requirements of B4 (external fire spread)?

Title: Re: Boiler Room Vent & Material Alteration
Post by: Fishy on April 05, 2017, 08:33:03 AM

(With all the usual caveats about this being based upon limited information and personal opinion only, take my advice at your own risk, etc etc)... probably not.  Unprotected area is likely to be tiny in comparison with the facade.  Far better than venting it inside the building (or not at all)!

Title: Re: Boiler Room Vent & Material Alteration
Post by: col10 on April 05, 2017, 10:23:21 AM

It could be, if it is not a small area,  that can be disregarded, as per the diagram in ADB.  Also could be a B3(cavity wall) or Part A material alteration.

Title: Re: Boiler Room Vent & Material Alteration
Post by: Tadees on April 05, 2017, 10:26:50 AM

Thanks Colin/Fishy

Colin - Which diagram in ADB are you referring to?

Title: Re: Boiler Room Vent & Material Alteration
Post by: col10 on April 05, 2017, 10:42:26 AM

Diag. 44.

Title: Re: Boiler Room Vent & Material Alteration
Post by: Tadees on April 05, 2017, 10:51:12 AM

Thanks