Rank: Forum user
|
I have been asked to comment on fire stratergy design documents that have been provided by contractors that are tendering for some new buildings for our company. The introduction states that the designs are based on Approved Document B but that further guidance from BS9999 has been used where appropriate.
It has always been my assumption that in design only one or the other of these documents should be used. Can anyone confirm this or put me right with my assumption.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Sorry but your assumptions are incorrect. That being the case why dont you recognise your limitations and hire a professional to review the proposed strategy.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks Bleve,
I do know my limitations, so have taken your advice. I was only asked to give initial observations on the documents by my manager. At the end of the day he has to make the decisions and he has said that he will seek an independent view.
I remember once being told by a Fire Safety Officer that architects often use App Doc B as the basis of design, but may sometimes use part of BS9999 to save on costs (i.e extended travel times). He said that they should really use one document or the other.
I have obviously been given the wrong information. Anyhow thanks for putting me right, I know that posters often give good, valuale information of this forum, hence my original question.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Please don't take offence as none is meant but your question doesn't really make sense?
Firstly you mention fire strategy design documents that have been provided by contractors that are tendering for some new buildings. Then you mention Approved Document B and BS9999
IMO contractors would not include design documents for fire strategy - that would be a role of the Designer in coordination with CDM-C and Client (end user) if a notifiable project. If not notifiable there would still be a designer and client who would need to organise the fire strategy for the finished product.
A contractor would submit plans in advance for the fire safety aspects during the project but that would not need anything out of App Doc B or BS 9999.
The Principal Contractor would be responsible for the construction fire risk assessment/s in accordance with the rrfso.
Whatever guidance is used the end user has to provide a fire risk assessment according to the rrfso therefore the design of the premises has to ensure a suitable and sufficient fra can be carried out without need for any building alterations, therefore the rrfso should be consulted along with whatever other document, and that should probably be Approved Document B.
British Standards and Approved Documents are not requirements and information can be gained elsewhere to carry out the work but you must ensure Building Regulations are observed.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Quite a few out there do not like people 'cherry picking' BS9999, as what you say there are less stringent benchmarks, but to achieve this you need to apply other aspects of the document. You would need to assess the risk profiling, introduce the fire manual at design stage.
In regards to Approved Document B, you have the requirements of Regulation 16B to follow at design stage that will assist the eventual owner, occupier in complying with fire safety order and the FRA.
As mentioned, not sure what you mean in contractors providing this if they are tendering to do the construction works?
Building Regulations (fire safety)do not always need to be adhered to, as there are fire engineering solutions which can be an alternative, BS9999 is the next step down from fire engineering. Obviously communication with building control/AI and fire officers prior are key if they are to be passed.
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.