Posted By Stephen Mitchell This is the first time I have used this forum so please be gentle with me. We are currently having one of our single storey production units re-built after it was destroyed by fire, the unit lost was at the end of a block of 5 adjoining units. I have asked the company who are overseeing the construction work what fire safety provisions with regards to fire detection (smoke detectors) will be included in the rebuilding of this unit, they have replied that none will be fitted. I have since contacted them again and stated that I thought that under part B of the Building Regulations 2000 some form of detection would have been included. The contractor has now stated that as the existing foundations were found to still be sound and have therefore been used to build upon, the Building Regulations and in particular part B are not applicable. As our company is primarily an engineering company my understanding of the Building Regulations is somewhat limited (well to be honest very limited) therefore perhaps someone with a better understanding of the Building Regulations than my humble self would be kind enough to clarify if this is indeed the case. Thanks Steve

Posted By Richard Webber Stephen, This is an extract from the Building Regulations - I hope that it helps - it implies that a risk assessment must be made to deturmine the physical requirement in each situation. In small buildings/premises the means of raising the alarm may be simple. For instance, where all occupants are near to each other a shouted warning “FIRE” by the person discovering the fire may be all that is needed. In assessing the situation, it must be determined that the warning can be heard and understood throughout the premises, including for example the toilet areas. In other circumstances, manually operated sounders(such as rotary gongs or handbells) may be used. Alternatively a simple manual call point combined with a bell, battery and charger may be suitable. In all other cases, the building should be provided with a suitable electrically operated fire warning system with manual call points sited adjacent to exit doors and sufficient sounders to be clearly audible throughout the building. Richard

Posted By shaun mckeever Under Approved Document 'B' or BS5588 there is no requirement to install an automatic fire detection (AFD) and alarm system for most buildings unless there is sleeping accommodation. As described above there is a requirement for a suitable means of raising the alarm. This may be achieved by shouting 'FIRE' or by installing a manually operated electrical fire alarm system depending on the size and complexity of the building. However many modern buildings are constructed with AFD installed because an assessment at design stage has determined that a life or property protection system is required. This may be driven by insurers of the building or by the new building owners. Even with AFD this is not much use in an unoccupied building unless the system is linked to an alarm receiving centre (property protection systems will be already be linked). So what it boils down to is your fire risk assessment. Do you think you need AFD. If so for what purpose, life safety, property protection or business continuity.

Posted By Stephen Mitchell Thanks to all for your advise and information. The company I work for is the sole UK manufacturer/distributor of the type of products we produce; therefore I have been pushing for AFD linked to an alarm receiving centre in all Units for the last two years. Due to the business interruption caused by the fire they have now decided to release the funds necessary to install AFD linked to a call centre, better late than never I suppose. Thanks again to all who replied Stephen Mitchell