Variations to ADB

[Dinnertime Dave]

Can anyone help with a general question regarding variations to ADB?

As I understand it there is no requirement to consult with the Fire Authority where premises fall into purpose group 1 flats and dwelling houses.

However, at present our office is being overburdened with variations to ADB that fall within the above purpose group. These requests only ever come from the Local Council never Approved Inspectors.

One example involved a first floor bedroom window that was 75-100mm too high (one course of bricks!)

Quite frankly I’ve better things to do with my time.

We’re at present scouring the Building Act to find whether there is any requirement to consult (or slope the responsibility) to the Fire Authority in these circumstances.

So to cut a long story short is there a requirement or not?  

Thanks in anticipation      

Dave

[nearlythere]

Are they doing it because it is a flat in residential/commercial building or because it is multiple flats with common escape routes?
Could be Building Control slope shouldering.
Tried ringing them and asking why they send them?

[slubberdegullion]

Procedural guidance says:

"1.31 Where a building control body is formally engaged in checking the
compliance of building work with the Building Regulations and the
building in question is to be put to a relevant use where the Fire
Safety Order applies (see 1.5) or will apply after completion of the
work there will be statutory requirements to consult the fire safety
enforcing authority at certain stages of the process."

Hence flats with communal areas.  They shouldn't be sending anything else that's purely domestic really unless it has some unusual peculiarity that the bco thinks we may be able to assist with - perhaps a very complex building or one with access problems.

Stu

[Dinnertime Dave]

They shouldn't be sending anything else that's purely domestic really unless it has some unusual peculiarity that the bco thinks we may be able to assist with - perhaps a very complex building or one with access problems.

I`m with you on that one Stu - but I don`t think houses with windows 75mm too high is that complex

Thanks for the replies,

After a bit of research I’ve now found the answer to my own question if that’s allowed.

Appendix E of Procedural Guidance says that the LA is obliged under Section 15 of the Building Act to consult the fire safety enforcing authority before relaxing or dispensing with a requirement of Building Regulations that relate to:

Structural fire precautions
Means of escape
Means for securing means of escape

They should also consult where they intend to relax or dispense with the requirements of B5

Approved Inspectors do not have the power to dispense with any requirements of Building Regulations.  

Guess I’m back to being overburdened with windows on houses that are 75mm too high and travel distances of 0.8m over ADB inside a flat – Oh Joy

[kurnal]

I think you are entitled to a summary statement from the BCO as to why you are being consulted- ie relaxation or dispensing with a requirement. That may save you a lot of time.
As would a rubber stamp policy for anything that was not life threatening on an initial glance.