I feel a bit of an idiot asking this question because I should know the answer but;

Can you apply the principles of BS 9999 to a building built in the 1980's in accordance with Approved Document B?

Alterations to a building are being considered which will result in a mezzanine floor being installed. The building will be used for storage. There is only one fire exit, but two roller doors are used daily and will be open when the building is occupied. Although this isn't an ideal solution, it's been suggested that a second fire exit be installed and that the maximum distance from the stairs to the fire exit in less than 4.5 meters.

As regards travel distances; BS 9999 offers the best solution as it provides longer distances compared to Approved Doc B however, I'm of the opinion that BS 9999 ONLY applies to new buildings erected when BS 9999 cane into force.

Am I loosing the plot? :-D

Any advise / suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks Ciaran ... PM sent as advised. Fingers crossed I can get closure on the topic :-D

Ian,
for my sins I deliver the BS9999 Fire risk Assessment 'the next level' programme for the IOSH CPD
I agree with Shaun that the key principle is the establishment of a risk profile and that from this process most issues are based.


BS9999 is more specifically aimed at designers, who whilst not having to design a 'full fire engineered solution'(BS 7974) needed a more flexible approach to building regulations guidance.


In its key statement BS9999 does state it is a ‘co-ordinated approach’ and that recommendations applied in isolation may give little/no benefit or indeed lower the fire safety standard provided.- so care is needed


One of the areas that delegates take most from the IOSH programme is that the lack of 'fire safety management standards' will negate the majority if not all of the alterations/recommendations that could be applied. The management section of the occupied building is often forgotten (para0.13 in ADB) as one of they key elements of the risk profiling Shaun referred to.


Whilst we encourage fire risk assessors to have a good understanding of the standard and how it works and what is included, it is essential that they are aware of the boundaries - BS9999 should not be used as a 'pick n mix'.


However if it can be proven that the core elements of BS9999 can be applied to an existing building & management system that was originally built to ADB standards, then a competent assessor/designer should be able to apply the features of BS9999.


I do make use of BS9999 to advise clients of alternative arrangements that could be made, if we can apply the principles across each profile, but I do have to say we do use ‘in isolation’


I am sure Zoë and the rest of the CPD team would love to see a booking on the FRA ‘next level’ programme and perhaps some members who have attended could share their views on the course on this forum?

Hope this helps

Andy

Duplicate post by Furness just removed.
Geoff hasn't lost the plot:)

Peter
IOSH Moderator