Posted By Hilary Charlton On the occasions that we have had the fire brigade in they have insisted that all fire routes are kept clear of obstructions - regardless of how big or wide the fire route is. I know we have a fairly large landing upstairs in our building and someone had put a piece of furniture on it -the Fire Brigade came in and told us to move it even though it was out of the direct exit way - I cannot say for certain that your Fire Officer is correct but I should say that it is highly likely he is. Why don't you give the Fire Brigade a discreet call - they are happy to help out in situations like this (as long as they are not on strike of course). Hilary

Posted By Kevin Drew Dave, It's nothing to do with the Local Authority. The fire certificate is issued by the HSE under the Fire Certificates (Special Premises) Regulations 1976. I deliberately didn't say too much for fear of "letting the cat out of the bag". The safety equipment is radioactive contamination monitoring equipment and the entrance foyer is definitely the best place for it. There are no flammable materials in the staircase nor any ignition sources other than that which I want to install there. Kevin

Posted By Mike Armitage Kevin, It's difficult to comment without seeing the premises in question, but here goes anyway! When planning means of escape, we must consider the 'escape route'. This will take a person from any point in the premises to a 'place of safety'. In this premises, that would initially involve horizontal evacuation from any point of a storey to the protected stairway. From that point to a place of safety away from the premises, occupants must be able to travel along a protected route, i.e. of fire resisting construction.This includes services such as electrical supplies. Therefore, the 'common parts' of the entrance foyer, i.e. parts which protected stairways and evacuation lifts discharge into, also need to form a protected route. Therein lies your problem. By all means discuss this with your local Fire Safety Section, but remember that HSE issue Special Premises Certs, so reassure your contact that you are looking for help in finding sensible, cost-effective solutions, and will not seek to pitch one party against the other. Then I suggest that you write to HSE with your suggestions, including a rough plan, and requesting a site meeting. One possible solution which springs to mind is: 1. Install the equipment in the foyer, within a protected room, fitted with smoke detectors. 2. Fit the FD30S fire resisting doors to that room with hold open devices linked to the automatic fire detection system. This will eliminate wear and tear on the doors, and people wedging the doors open. 3. Provide suitable fire fighting equipment for the room, e.g. a CO2 extinguisher. Good luck, Mike