Rank: Forum user 
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Hi All,
I would appreciate views on the following:
What you expect communal attic areas within residential accommodation (i.e. within purpose built housing blocks and conversions) to be compartmented by fire resisting structures from the attic spaces above the private dwellings?
My view is that they should, in order to reduce fire spread throughout the roof void to/from the communal area.
However, would I be right in thinking that structural upgrades of buildings in this manner at older buildings can not be insisted upon as the building regs are not retrospective?
What would your opinons be if 1 hours horizontal fire separation is in place between the ceilings of the private dwellings and the attic areas, and the residents had no hatches between their flats and the attic.
I can't find a referrence to this issue in the relevant guidance for sleeping accommodation etc so I would appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction.
Many Thanks,
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Rank: Super forum user 
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IMHO there is no retrospective requirement. Fire resistance can be further compromised where residents in the upperflats decide to fit downlighters.
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Rank: Super forum user
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It would be something that i would recommend to be installed in between the private dwellings there are a lot of fire resistant curtains on the market that can be easily installed in the loft space which offer 1hr+ fire protection. Which will probably be easier to install than trying to upgrade the ceilings in the private dwellings as it doesn't require and installation the premises or re-decoration so would be cheaper and quicker.
Not sure on the retrospective front but nothing says you can't work to best practice and work to meet current legislation. i thought most insurance/ mortgage companies wouldn't insure or mortgage properties that don't have fire separation in the loft space of a joining properties?
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user 
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No it's not mandatory to retro-fit fire compartments, although I would definitely recommend some kind of curtain/barrier. Remember that any compartmentation is only as good as its weakest part, and as there was no fire compartments included in the design of the roof then I would doubt the integrity of the rest of the structure.
There are ways and means to lower the fire risk, such as ensuring the roof voids are kept clear, fitting of fire detection, most of which is available, but can be very expensive.
It's important that a 'suitable and sufficient' Fire Risk Assessment is carried out by the landlord.
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Rank: Super forum user
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There may not be a Landlord.
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Rank: Super forum user
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ron hunter wrote:There may not be a Landlord. Ron, In that case it wouldn't fall under Occupational Safety & Health and would come under building regs. However I would assume that the buildings are complete and signed off by Building Control Inspectors. James could you clarify?
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