Posted By SBH No, do the risk assessment, what are the hazards, is there a risk that communal areas are a hazard to residents if soi can they escape? can they be alerted, do they need to be.. depends on the risk etc.If the risk is minimal to life then IMHO you will not need a fire alarm. Plus if you installed an alarm in communal areas would it be heard? There are loads to consider but it depends on the risk

Posted By Messy Shaw I too am struggling with the issue of AFD in common parts of flats. The fire service do like to code hug and will generally refer to the sleeping accommodation DCLG guide or Lacors guide - both of which tend to lean towards fitting AFD. However the report following the fire in Stevenage Herts which kiled 2 firefighters and a resident recommends that AFD in common parts is avoided if regular false actuations are likely to result. My view is that I start with the default position of having no fire alarm system. Then I try to justify that position by considering the fire separation (especially between flats and in service risers), the maintenance regime in the building including the standard of housekeeping, the likelihood of false actuations and the history of fires at the address (including rubbish chute fires which may actuate the alarms despite the incident being of low risk in terms of trapping persons). It's also worth throwing into the pot who & how would any actuation be handled? Who will silence and/or reset the system? (The fire service won't). If not considered now - before installation - any delays silencing the system may result with residents damaging the apparatus so they can get back to sleep! If it can be avoided I would suggest no AFD. This is a high risk strategy in terms of compliance, as a code hugging fire service inspector may simply apply the guidance in Lacors or DCLG guide without fully understanding the FRA process. As a result, the methodology and rationale behind any decision must be recorded for him/her to see (If they can be bothered). Alternatively, do what some fire service inspectors do and apply the guidance rigidly as if it were law. This will ensure that you get no bother later. It maintains your customer confidence in that you get no complaints and in any case, it costs you nothing to recommend a OTT AFD system. Not the most professional approach, but many fire consultants are operating in this way - putting their own interests way ahead of their customers.

Posted By Messy Shaw Whilst I agree with your approach Adrian, the issue is whether the building has been designed built and MAINTAINED to a standard suitable for defend in place. Many common parts of flats which are 'designed and buit' in this manner are regularly abused and others have been altered which affect separation standards.

Posted By seadog Thank you for these useful responses. I also wondered if a could guage opinion on whether you would recommend the installation of manual call points within the common areas. Whenever I have recommended a AFD system, in line with the Lacors guidance etc, the installation company appointed to install the systems have repeatedly claimed that the system is not adequate or 'non compliant' without incorporating manual call points. I feel that call points, particularly within larger council blocks would increase the liklihood of false alarms (potentially resulting in the system being tampered with or put in to silent mode). Any views would be appreciated. Many Thanks,