Change of occupancy

[Allen Higginson]

Here's the scenario - I maintain the fire alarm in a sheltered accommodation which would be a cat L1 system.The resident warden has moved out and the accommodation is to be made available as a two storey dwelling.Unfortunately it is an integral part of the whole scheme in that it occupies what would be two flats on the ground and first floor.There is then another flat above that on the second floor. The association plans to have external access only to the two storey accomodation and block up the internal door out into the scheme.They have now asked us to remove the fire alarm equipment from this accomodation and they plan to install mains operated detectors.I have raised the fact that it's is not reaaly acceptable to do this but customer is alawya right.I have asked them to send me confirmation in writing that they wish to have the equipment taken out and we will follow up with a letter to say that this work was done despite our concerns.Are there hard and fast reasons why this isn't acceptable?

[Graeme]

I have had the exact same situation where a caretakers flat on two levels was made into two seperate flats.
The Flats were not used for accomodation but had to be linked into existing fd&a system.
The two floors were accessed from a internal staircase and also a main door on each floor.The staircase was removed,so the two flats alrady had  front doors.
I would not go by the Housing ascoc but get the Fire Officer involved and see what he has to say.
As far as some ascoc goes the customer is not usually right.(in my own experience)

[wee brian]

Buzz

This could be construed as a material alteration under the Building Regulations, As such it should go through the Building Control system.

[Allen Higginson]

It's def. a change to the original design but your into the realms of HMO's.From a design stage you can have a standard fire alarm installation covering the corridors and stairwells with mains detectors independantly in each flat.This is catagorized as an E LD3 system,where the E is the mains detectors without batt. back up and the LD3 is basically an L4 system.As you say this is different to what the original fire cert/building control spec. would have been for the building.I don't want to rock the boat but I'm really not comfortable with this.

[Allen Higginson]

In fact,scrap that.Looks like it's gotta be an L2 system throughtout the building if it's over 2 storeys and no more than 7 residents with mental handicaps (not pc I know but quoting whats written).

[Paul]

I would always run this past Building Control.  In past experience they can make things difficult even if what you are doing isto the letter.  Especially in Scotland where they are that little bit more keen.

P

[Allen Higginson]

Ultimately it'll be up to the Housing Association to get this passed.I just want to make them aware of where they stand and the possible risks that may be present should they continue with this.