We were
recently appointed to carry out a Risk Assessment on a Building in Chiswick – the
Client had just converted the Loft area into a modern Flat and after an
inspection by Building Control the conversion was granted full approval. All
that was left for the Client to do was to arrange for a Fire Risk Assessment of
the whole building in order to meet Fire Safety regulations and insurance
requirements.
What
surprised our Assessor when he carried out his inspection was that whilst the
newly realised Flat met all the standards Building Control had paid no
attention to the Fire Separation for rest of the Building!
For example:
the single escape route for the Building was not protected and the Doors and
Door sets to the other Flats were not Fire Resisting.
Whilst the
converted Loft Flat had a Fire Alarm system installed Building Control had not
identified the LACORS
(Local Authorities coordinators of Regulatory Services. Local Government
Regulations) requirement for the Flats and the common areas to be in receipt of
an interlinked alarm system. The Fire Risk Assessors described the premise as “
a Palace at the end of minefield”.
London Fire Risk Assessments advice to
customers: If you are
considering converting or carrying out major refurbishment on just a part of a
Building think how the changes you make will affect the rest of the Building –
its called joined up thinking! If you need some friendly advice why not use our Fire Safety Services London and the surrounding areas. Alternatively
give us a call on 01689 890879
