Part M - Beacons in toilets

[David Rooney]

Can someone please clarify for me where part m applies, particularly with regard beacons in toilets.

It seems that every time we get involved moving a few detectors as part of a refurb in an office block (particularly Westminster) they are insisting on adding beacons in all toilets.

Should we be designing all new AFD system with beacons in all toilets ??

[kurnal]

When designing a fire alarm the siting of sounders should be according to BS5839 part 1 and the provision of the alarm system should be in accordance with Approved document B.

Approved Document M states that WHERE a fire alarm sounder is provided in sanitary facilities then it should give both visual and audible warning.

The only place where Part M recommends provision of equipment over and above BS5839  / ADB1 standard is in hotel bedrooms- part M recommends that in order to comply with part M ALL bedrooms should have visual alarm signals.

Part M only applies to new buildings, alterations , extensions or material change of use. And only to those parts affected by any change.

[David Rooney]

Thanks Kurnal, that is essentially how I read it.

But Westminster Council, and Cambden come to that, have started going completely overboard as usual......

[kurnal]

Its easy to ask for the world when you are spending someone elses money without them having a say in the matter. Especially if you are spending taxpayers money.