Perimeter Access

[AM]

A colleague, who is having trouble logging on here, has asked me to put this query up: 

Fire service access.

A bit confused about the guidance in ADB regarding what constitutes vehicle access.

The building I am looking at has an aggregate floor area of 10,000m2 and therefore requires vehicle (pump) access to 50% of the perimeter (no fire mains fitted in the building).

There appears to be no definition in ADB of what constitutes access. I.e. how close do you need to get a pump to the building before it is classed as access to the perimeter?

Does it have to be directly in front of an elevation to constitute access or would it be ok to say access is provided if a pump could get to within say 18m of an elevation. Or is it something else??

Guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[nearlythere]

A colleague, who is having trouble logging on here, has asked me to put this query up: 

Fire service access.

A bit confused about the guidance in ADB regarding what constitutes vehicle access.

The building I am looking at has an aggregate floor area of 10,000m2 and therefore requires vehicle (pump) access to 50% of the perimeter (no fire mains fitted in the building).

There appears to be no definition in ADB of what constitutes access. I.e. how close do you need to get a pump to the building before it is classed as access to the perimeter?

Does it have to be directly in front of an elevation to constitute access or would it be ok to say access is provided if a pump could get to within say 18m of an elevation. Or is it something else??

Guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Best thing to do is ask the F&RS for your area. They will always want the best practical option as it makes it easier for them.

[kurnal]

Where access is provided to an elevation in accordance with table 19 there should be access for an appliance adjacent to the building for the percentage of the total perimeter specified. However I cannot stress enough that B5 is a functional requirement. "Adjacent"  is not defined anywhere for pumping appliances, only for high rise appliances. More important is the ability of firefighters to access the building on the elevation in question, to pitch their ladders and use hose systems easily and quickly, and connect to a hydrant.

Invariably where table 19 solutions are proposed, very many buildings do not have access roads immediately adjacent to the elevation. There tend to be pavements, gardens, embankments etc. Do these present an obstacle to firefighters in the case in point? Thats where the consultation with the local fire brigade is essential at planning stage.

[Dragonmaster]

When i was dealing with this type of issue, as a rule of thumb i used the access requirements for the smaller buildings i.e. within 45m. In this case i would look to get appliances to within 45m of the building along 50% of the perimeter. This overcomes the problem of pathways, flower beds etc.

Of course, you would need access points for FF access, so again, I'd be looking for doors around 45-50m apart along the perimieter - which you usually find in the larger industrial buildings.