Guidance on fire precautions in purpose-built blocks of flats

[kurnal]

The draft document written by C S Todd and Associates is now available for public comment on the LGA.gov.uk website

http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=18055456

It is actually a cracking document with a detailed overview of the history of the fire safety design of flats.

[Midland Retty]

Just had a very quick, cursory look at the guide.

I have to say the document flows very well.

Its easy to follow, clear and concise, but descriptive enough to help the reader understand why certain fire precautions are required.

There are nice little nuggets of background information in there underpinning some of the more technical stuff.

I particularly like the use of "summary boxes" in the guide at the end of various sections - that's a very good idea.

Haven't read it all in depth, but from what I've seen so far, and IMHO, I think they have produced a nice document there. It seems to be pitched at the right level.

[The Colonel]

Disappointed that this guidance applies to England only and does not include Wales. Looks like we will have to wait for the Welsh Assembly to adopt Colin's guide or have their own written. Strange how the RRO applies to both England and Wales but guidance can vary between the two countries on the same legislation. I feel a question to the Welsh assembly and Welsh Office coming on, when they decide who rules after today. They haven't adopted to Competency clause here yet so unfortunately I wont hold my breath about the guidance but perhaps try to speed them along with a few emails.

[wee brian]

That's devolution taffy.

[The Colonel]

Wee Brian
I'll give you taffy, (only joking) I am an english man, well 3/4 english, 1/4 welsh who is living and working abroad in a land that speaks in a strange way, good job I like rugby. Keep up the good work. Will need to check which side of the border I am working sometimes.

[William 29]

Is anyone going to the consultation event in Manchester?  The programme looks very intertesting.

[colin todd]

I am.

[Speyside]

Me too!

[Northern Uproar]

+1 for Manchester

Reading through the document in preparation - looks good, and the discussions should be interesting. I spoke to a housing provider and they have found the draft usefull as well, so it seems to be well written and understood by non-fire professionals but who need the practical info as part of their jobs.

[William 29]

very good morning's presentation on the Guide and then break out sessions and feed back.  Well worth attending!

[steve walker]

Very interesting and helpful document.

In relation to the safety of residents from fire within their own flat in sheltered housing Para A6.20 (page 125)  states,

 “Where fire alarm signals are transmitted to an alarm receiving centre by the same equipment as social alarm signals, the two types of signal should be separately identifiable at the alarm receiving centre. It should be ensured that the receipt of fire alarm signals cannot be delayed significantly by a previously initiated social alarm signal.”

Is this just good practise or do you think it would be enforceable under the Housing Act?

Thanks Steve.

[colin todd]

Not that this is a loaded question is it, Mr W.......

[colin todd]

Simon (Oops I mean speyside), I did not see you there though I did see Willie.

[steve walker]

I dont mean it to be loaded, it just comes from my ignorance of the Housing Act. If you mean that my interest in this particular issue was triggered by an actual event then yes, but I would prefer to keep the discusson general.

[colin todd]

I meant that the question was triggered by a specific incident Steven.  However, you will find plenty of volunteers here to act as judge jury and executioner and then ask the deceased what he has to say about it. I am sure that you are aware of the technological issues, just as we were when we wrote that clause.