Hi all, I have a client who manages a building with 20 smoke vents on the roof. He has cancelled the maintenance contract (don't know why). I need to advise him to continue a regime for maintenance and inspection in order that the vents will automatically open if the fire alarm sounds. Could someone guide me to relevant statutory provision, ACOP, COp etc (Building Regs, RRFSO 2005, PUWER) for smoke vents? Thanks

Thanks for that Bleve. I've not seen the FRA yet as he is a new client, and I received the information regarding the vents via email. I always advise that an annual inspection and maintenance schedule of the vents should be conducted by a competent person, but I was hoping to make specific reference to legal requirement as opposed to recommendation to this chap.

I would recommend your client checks with the insurers as they may not like what he has done by cancelling the maintenance on such an important part of the fire safety arrangements. They can then let him know what he should be doing and may recommend a maintenance company/regime for him?

You should review the FRA, if the vents are provided for life safety, you can point out that maintenance of this equipment is mandatory under the FSO. If the vents are provided for mitigation of damage to the building structure and stored materials, you can only suggest that he checks his insurance policy and suggest to him that unless required by the underwriters that maintenance of this equipment is recommended. For all we know, he may have a legitimate reason for his actions, that is for you to discuss and determine.