DOORSET TECHNOLOGY

Standards & Regulations

Approved Documents (English Building Regulations)

• Approved Document B - Fire Safety
• Approved Document E - Resistance To The Passage Of Sound
• Approved Document K - Protection From Falling, Collision & Impact
• Approved Document L - Conservation Of Fuel & Power
• Approved Document M - Access To & Use Of Buildings
• Approved Document Q - Security
• Approved Document 7 - Materials & Workmanship

All these documents are available for free download at www.planningportal.co.uk

Still many specifiers refer to Approved Document N - Glazing Safety

This is now withdrawn and requirements are incorporated into Approved Document K

Be aware of variation where regulation is devolved (e.g. Wales & Scotland)

http://gov.wales/topics/planning/buildingregs/approved-documents/

http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Built-Environment/Building/Building-standards/publications/pubtech

Standards & Regulations

Test Standards - Fire

Test Standards - Smoke

• BS 476 Pt 22
• BSEN 1634-1

• BS 476 Pt 31
• BSEN 1634-3

All these documents are available for purchase from the BSI and most test centres

Standards & Regulations

Test Standards - Security

Test Standards - Mechanical

• PAS24
• LPS1175

• DD171
• BSEN 1191
• EN947, EN948, EN949 & EN50 (Classified to BSEN 1192)

All these documents are available for purchase from the BSI and most test centres

Standards & Regulations

Test Standards - Thermal

Test Standards - Acoustic

• BSEN ISO 10140-2 (Standard/Procedure)
• BSEN ISO 717-1 (Airborne Sound Insulation Rating)

• EN10077-1 & 2 (Simulation)
• ISO 8301 (Heat Flow Meter Method)
• BEBE EN 12667 (Standard/Procedure)

All these documents are available for purchase from the BSI and most test centres

Key Components

FD30 Fire Test

Strebord 44mm Particleboard and Stredor 44mm Solid Timber Lamel

Certification & Evidence

• Primary Evidence

• Global Assessment/Field Of Application Report

• Job Specific Assessment

• Certificate

• EXAP

• CE Mark

• DOP

• Manuals & Data Sheets

• Any or all of the above could be issued to form part of your O & M Manual

Certification & Evidence

Mutual Obligations

So who is the ‘responsible person’? Article 3 of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 defines ‘responsible person’ in relation to a workplace as the employer, if the workplace is to any extent under his/her control. In relation to premises that are not a workplace, the person who has control of the premises (as occupier or otherwise) in connection with the carrying on by him of a trade, business or other undertaking (for profit or not) is deemed the ‘responsible person’. Where the person in control of the premises does not have control in this way, the ‘responsible person’ is deemed to be the owner.

Mutual Obligations

Having established who the ‘responsible person’ is, in relation to a premises, it is important to address the responsibilities they hold.

Article 8(1) of the Order requires that the ‘responsible person’ take ‘general fire precautions’. ‘General fire precautions’ as defined in article 4 of the Order, include measures to reduce the risk of fire and the risk of spread of fire, measures in relation to means of escape from the premises, including safe escape routes and emergency escape lighting, measures in relation to fighting fire and measures in relation to the detection of fire and the ability to warn of fire. Thus, ‘general fire precautions’ are not simply restricted to fire precautions identified under other articles within the Order.

Mutual Obligations

Under the Fire Safety Order, the responsible person has to ensure that an annual fire risk assessment is carried out and in most cases, documented. The risk assessment has to demonstrate that adequate attention has been paid to all aspects of fire safety management, including active and passive fire measures, signage, means of escape and evacuation procedures. Where in-depth knowledge is lacking, the responsible person has a duty to engage someone with the relevant expertise to be able to implement or advise on key areas.

Mutual Obligations

Case law highlights that the Courts view breaches of the Order extremely seriously even in cases where no fire has occurred and no actual harm was caused. The Courts consider the ‘potential to create death or cause serious injury’, highlighting that those with the burden of being the ‘responsible person’ therefore need to ensure they fully understand their responsibilities and duties under the Order and ensure they comply with them. Cases also highlight the need to work with the fire authorities in complying with risk assessments and enforcement notices in order to meet the duties of the ‘responsible person’ under the Order and to ensure the safety of those in and around the premises.

References

https://www.asdma.com/knowledge-centre/

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/

https://www.falconpp.co.uk/technical/