• Installation of smoke detectors
• Means of Escape• Internal Fire Spread (Structure)
• External Fire Spread
Although the previous list might at first appear complex when it is broken down and applied to your loft conversion the requirements are usually quite easy to apply.
The guidance regarding means of escape when a third storey is added to an existing house the Building Regulations aims to ensure that in case of a fire the occupants can safely escape. Typically the existing staircase enclosure must extend to a final exit (starting with paragraph 2.18 ‘Enclosure of existing stair’); therefore an open plan arrangement at ground floor level is not acceptable.
"0.18. There are many alternative
or innovative fire suppression systems available. Where these are used it
is necessary to ensure that such systems have been designed and tested for use
in domestic buildings and are fit for their intended purpose."
Automist is covered by an LABC Registered Detail (RD171) for use in open plan layouts in loft
converted houses. The Registered Details scheme should allow building control
officers to approve a project without a long and detailed investigation in the
knowledge that the product has been rigorously checked by LABC members.