Fire separation of sheltered flats for a 'stay put' procedure

[Rocha]

Hi everyone,
I am currently undertaking fire risk assessments of sheltered flat accommodation, with the residents consisting mainly of elderly people.  My client has asked me to prescribe the works required to allow a ‘stay put’ procedure for only the most mobility impaired residents.

Currently the buildings are non sprinklered and typically consist of the ground, first and second floors, with approximately 32 flats divided among the floors.

Would I be right in recommending a fire separation of approx 90 minutes minimum and 2 hours maximum between the flats (i.e. compartment walls, floors and relevant fire doors) for the ‘stay put’ procedure to be seriously considered. I understand the cost implications of these works would be significant and it is likely that the prescribed works will only be installed to some rooms.

I would welcome any advice
Rocha

[jokar]

Is this an exisiting structure?  If it is then it should have been constructed the B1 standard as a non care facility which would have provided 60 minute protection to the rooms as in a purpose built block of flats.  This is deemed adequate at construction stage.  The CLG sleeping guide is the one to use for common areas of sheltered accommodation which will recommend a variety of scenarios for you to consider.  The people behind their own front doors are considered safe and the premises should have been construcetd as a defend in place antway.

[kurnal]

Hi everyone,
Would I be right in recommending a fire separation of approx 90 minutes minimum and 2 hours maximum between the flats (i.e. compartment walls, floors and relevant fire doors) for the ‘stay put’ procedure to be seriously considered. I understand the cost implications of these works would be significant and it is likely that the prescribed works will only be installed to some rooms.

It would be one hour walls and floors at that height.

Worrying that the prescribed works would only be installed to some rooms. If improvements are made piecemeal like this we appear to be making presumptions on where the fire  is to occur and how would you  cater for changing occupiers and changing needs in the future?
Who is going to monitor the situation and keep tabs on who is in and who is out, how could the fire service cope with this on arrival?