requirements for fire alarms in HMOs

Adam Smith · May 21, 2013

Evening all.

Can anyone shed some light on how many and of what type of smoke alarms I would need to install in a 2 story house that has been split in to 2 flats, with a communal hall way.

I have done some research and found the following is required:

• Grade D: LD2 coverage in the common areas and a
heat detector in each flat in the room/lobby opening
onto the escape route (interlinked); and
• Grade D: LD3 coverage in each flat (non-interlinked
smoke alarm in the room/lobby opening onto the
escape route) to protect the sleeping occupants of
the flat

So if I install:
A smoke alarm in the communal hall that is interlinked with a heat alarm in the hallway of each flat.
A single separate smoke alarm, also in the hallway of each flat that is not linked to any other alarms.

Would that satisfy the requirements? I understand the requirements can vary from council to council (it is Greenwich council if that helps / makes a difference?)

Thank you all
Adam

tazz · May 21, 2013

Work with Geenwich alot, and she is a tougth old boot, but knowledgable. If you are looking for a HMO licence, then suggest you contact them first, as any changes later on will mean undoing any work you have started. If the flats are not self contained, then Grade D LD2 in circulation area and kitchen interlinked. And seperate detection within the flats non interlinked. Now as I have stated they may find a reason to interlink them all, so get the assement sorted out first.

Darkwood · May 21, 2013

Just doing similar.... flats are independent systems off their own consumer unit.
Communal area's a fully monitored system smokes, sounder and break glass off landlords supply.

Note as Tazz has mentioned its not all straight forward... building layout not meeting fire regs regarding containment can require stricter requirements

tazz · May 21, 2013

Main rule to look out for is over 3 floors or 2000m sq full Grade A alarm (basically part 1) 2 floors or less Grade D (part 6) With building control and local authorites, they mix the two Grades, to meet the building, the main building communial areas are public part 1, and each flat is classed a dwelling part 6. There is logic in there, but it can get confusing as the only link in the BS is grade A stated in Part 6

Adam Smith · May 21, 2013

Thank you for your replies. I knew it wouldn't be simple!

Do you think it will be best for me to suggest to the client that he gets a proper assesment on the place before any work takes place?

Tazz, do you have a contact number so I can speak to somebody at Greenwich about it?

tazz · May 21, 2013

Adam, if your client is applying for HMO licence then would suggest getting Greenwich in first, will try and find her details tomorrow.
There are not just fire alarm issues, but fire door requirements, fire wall segrigation, extingushers. As part of the application, they will survey the property and tell you exactly what they require.