D4 Design and Standards Brief

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"Promoting Safety - Reducing Risk"
FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011
DESIGN AND STANDARDS BRIEF FOR UNIVERSITY SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS
INTRODUCTION The following extract from the University Design Guide is issued to Designers and Architects direct in order that they may take account of the most up to date information available.
PART D - FIRE POLICY

D1 D1.1 APPLICATION AND PROCEDURE THIS SECTION OF THE DESIGN GUIDE HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE UNIVERSITY FIRE SAFETY UNIT All parties MUST quote the University Building Code in any correspondence, drawings and all other documents. This Fire Design Guide and Consultants Brief is applicable to all designs undertaken by external consultants or in house staff on Major, Intermediate and Minor Works projects As soon as the University Fire Safety Unit is advised of the initiation of a project, the Project Manager will be sent a copy of the FIRESAFE Fact file: S1 Fire Safety Strategy (Building Developments) which outlines relevant preliminary matters associated with the project. In certain circumstances variations from the design guide will be acceptable depending on the overall Fire Strategy to be used. Where deviations are proposed then these are to be agreed by the University Fire Safety Unit. These requirements are not intended to inhibit consultants from suggesting a Fire Strategy that proposes an engineered solution rather than a prescriptive approach but in that scenario where one or more elements of the strategy may fall below prescriptive standards the consultants will be required to make a strong case for compensating features that will be acceptable to the University. It is essential that the University Fire Safety Unit is engaged with regard to development of the project at a very early stage when there will be a particular interest in the following matters: A general description of the building including use and occupancy. The purpose group of the building Legislative Requirements addressed.
Fire Safety Unit Mission Statement To deliver the highest level of fire safety support and advice to all stakeholders thereby protecting the Universitys people, estate and reputation from the possible consequences of fire.
D1.2
D1.3
D1.4
D1.5
D1.6
D1.7
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Approach used to Fire Strategy. e.g. (ADB) (BS 9999) (Engineered solution) If an engineered solution is offered, an outline of the design philosophy.
D1.8
A proposed fire strategy document is to be submitted at Stage D and this will be expected to cover information listed below with as much of the detail as possible shown on general layout drawings. (Those points annotated with an * are thought suitable for the drawings) Confirmation that the design will be in conformity with the University Fire policy as set out in this document or if it is not designed in conformity with the policy, the reasons and compensating features for any deviations. Confirmation that the Users of the building have been fully consulted and have accepted the fire strategy proposals. *All lines of compartmentation in an identified colour. *Location of stairs and evacuation standard lifts. *All escape routes in an alternative identified colour. Calculations used for exit widths, travel distances etc. *Sterile areas on escape routes to be kept free of all User storage, furniture and other equipment to be shown hatched. *Location of any special hazards. Further details of arrangements for maintaining escape routes from adjacent buildings both during the construction phase and on completion together with an assessment of how the proposed building project will integrate with any existing adjacent escape routes and installations on completion. *Travel distances. *Details of plant room access and escape routes. *Space separation and surface spread of flame. *Fire protection facilities in basements. Special hazards and means of dealing with them. Provision of Egress solutions for disabled people in a fire situation. Potential Security / Escape conflicts. Calculations re external fire spread. *Signage. *Fire fighting equipment. *Location of all Fire Alarm panels and Emergency lighting panels. Details of fire detection, warning, and protocol in the event of an activation. *Emergency Lighting.
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Suppression Systems proposed. Positive pressure systems proposed. Details of any smoke control systems. Any property protection measures proposed.
Details of fire protection in ventilation systems and their control. *Access for the Fire & Rescue Service. *Water for fire fighting. D1.9 A Final Strategy Document must be submitted at Stage E highlighting any revisions made subsequent to Stage D.
D1.10 The Fire Safety Unit must also be informed thereafter of any late changes to the scheme, which may have an impact on the Fire Strategy. D1.11 It should be noted that for those projects that are being designed by external consultants the University Fire Safety Unit while happy to discuss proposals do not expect to have to design schemes where that task falls properly within the remit of the consultants. D1.12 At each stage the drawings and strategy submitted by consultants will be approved (or otherwise) as being generally acceptable but not withstanding this approval the responsibility for the entire scheme strategy will remain firmly with the consultants. D1.13 At Handover, the University Fire Safety Unit representative may require to witness the following: Operation of fire detection and alarm system. Operation of fire alarm protocol. Operation of Redcare link. Operation of magnetic release units. Operation of fire shutters. Operation of fire curtains. Operation of ventilation controls. Operation of fire dampers. Operation of pressurisation systems. Operation of gas valves linked to detection systems. Explanation of operation of fire suppression systems. Operation of emergency lights.
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Operation of fire doors.
Operation of emergency escape door equipment including pressures required for operation. Operation of fire fighting apparatus and evacuation lifts.
D1.14 At Handover the University Fire Safety Unit will expect to be provided with copies of manufacturers certificates stating the type of door, glazing and proprietary systems used comply with the fire resistance required for its location and has been installed to the manufacturer's requirements. D1.15 On practical completion the following shall be supplied to the Fire Safety Unit: Copies of drawings of Fire Detection and Emergency Lighting systems as installed including decibel levels achieved in all areas. Copies of drawings showing Suppression Systems, Positive Pressure Systems, Dampers and all other fire related mechanical service installations as installed. Refer also to section devoted to Fire Detection and Alarm systems for further information required at Handover. A simple laymans guide to all fire related systems. This to be suitable for non-technical staff to enable them to carry out basic operation and routine testing of all fire related equipment without needing to bring in technical assistance. D1.16 Allowance is to be made for training University Staff in the operation of all fire systems prior to handover. Up to five staff are to be trained on two separate occasions. The University Fire Safety Unit will expect to be invited to one of these training sessions. Names of those attending the training sessions are to be recorded.
The Fire Safety Unit will not recommend premises as satisfactory for their intended use until the requirements of D1.13, D1.14, D1.15 and D.16 above have been met.
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Hand Over Checklist
Documents to be available at the completion of New Builds and major refurbishment
Name:
Address:
Building/ URN Code:
Post Code:
Tel:
Date Recd 1. 1.1 Structural Fire Protection Copy of Final Completion Certificate as issued by Local Authority Building Control Dept. together with any outstanding comments A set of AS Built drawings showing all fire resisting doors, walls, floors and ceilings as detailed in the Fire Strategy Document/Specification Fire Alarm and Detection Systems Certification for the design, installation and commissioning of system to current British Standard Simple Operation Guide including protocol and interface with other services, etc. Demonstration of system and Protocol to:- Departmental Fire Safety Manager - University Fire Safety Unit Access Control Written confirmation of compliance with C.D.G Lifts Demonstration of operation Type Emergency Lighting Certification of compliance with Current British Standard Hazard Information (Red Gerda Premises Information Box) in place
Approved
Date Filed/ Signed
1.2
2. 2.1
2.2
2.3
3. 3.1 4. 4.1 4.2 5. 5.1 6.
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7. Legislation Information relevant to the Fire Risk Assessment given to _____________________________ Date: ________________________
8.
Fire Safety Acceptance All the above have been received and therefore I am satisfied that occupancy may take place.
Signed:
Name:
Date:
D2 D2.1
GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS The designer should design out potential fire hazards. Examples where this may be possible are: Avoid dead ends in corridors. Consider carefully corridor widths. While they must be sufficiently wide to accommodate wheelchairs they should not be so wide that they get used as storage areas or as frequently happens for locating photocopiers or similar equipment. It is much better to provide separate storage space. Locate potentially hazardous equipment carefully so that it is not immediately adjacent to escape routes. Where large quantities of hazardous, liquid or other material is required this should be stored outside the main building in purpose designed stores with smaller supplies brought in as necessary. Provide external storage for compressed gas cylinders with fixed piping into the building. Consider the location of reception areas. Try to locate them where the receptionist can see who is coming into the building. In multi occupancy buildings ensure that the planning takes account of the special management arrangements that are bound to be required in respect of Fire Safety. As accommodation used for examinations will need to have a delayed evacuation procedure these rooms to be located as near as possible to protected staircases or embody their own final exit. Consider the location of kitchens both large and small as cookers, microwaves etc can create a hazard.
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Avoid single staircase buildings except in the simplest locations. Where possible try and locate protected staircases at either end of circulation areas. Try to make alternative escape routes directly accessible from circulation areas rather than having to access via offices. Eliminate inner rooms where possible. Give especial care to the size and layout of plant rooms so that in the event of emergency there is sufficient space to make a safe evacuation. It is essential that escape routes through plant rooms be maintained at least 1000mm wide and 2000mm high. Travel distances must remain in accordance with the requirements of Approved Document B. Consider carefully how rubbish is to be stored so that it is not an attraction for arsonists. Do not rely on suspended ceilings to achieve the necessary fire rating required for intermediate floors. Tiles are frequently removed for maintenance and or modifications to services etc. and it becomes very difficult to maintain the fire integrity at all times. Consider the need for general lighting as well as emergency lighting outside the building to assist in evacuation. Consider the value of fixed installations, including sprinkler systems, to combat early outbreaks of fire, prevent fire spread and assist in the preservation of the building and business continuity. Ensure that adequate provision is made for the egress and escape of disabled persons to a place of safety away from the building. Security measures must be in harmony with arrangements for means of escape. D2.2 By considering the layout carefully at initial design stage not only can the obvious dangers be removed but it may be possible to reduce the number of fire doors. This has considerable benefits not only in making the building more user friendly but also much easier for disabled people to get around. PROVISION FOR THE DISABLED
D3
D3.1 The University has a general policy for egress to University buildings for the disabled and escape will form part of that policy (refer also to FIRESAFE Fact file: D1). In the interim this section is to apply. D3.2 Escape provision for the disabled is to comply with the Building Regulations; BS 9999:2008 and BS 8300:2009 where applicable and practical. Structural means should wherever possible be provided to enable non ambulant people to move to a refuge or other protected area. All such arrangements or schemes must be
D3.3
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agreed by the Fire Safety Unit who can also provide advice and assistance on the availability of alternative devices to assist means of escape. D3.4 All buildings must be provided with at least one fully protected fire fighting lift or evacuation lift which can be used safely for evacuation by disabled persons in the event of a fire. The provision of the secondary power supply must be from a completely independent source. The use of a separately fused protected circuit from the normal mains supply is not acceptable. D3.5 Note particularly the sections in the new Part M and BS 8300 that refer to door closers, pressures, latches and electric door release units. Where electric door release units are to be used a free swing unit should be specified and so programmed that the door release mechanism only operates when a smoke detector located in the adjacent space on either side of the door activates. Ensure that there is level ground, ideally hard surfaced, outside external doors for ease of evacuation for wheelchair users and provision to move easily and unaided to the designated assembly point. An emergency call system should be installed within disabled refuges and within lifts. Controls are to be set at suitable height for wheelchair users. Call system to operate an audible and visual indicator fixed adjacent to the fire alarm indicating equipment located within the main entrance at ground floor level. Refer also to clause D4.13 below re special provision for the hard of hearing. FIRE DETECTION AND WARNING SYSTEMS All new Fire Detection and Alarm systems are to be analogue addressable and comply with the requirements of the latest edition of BS 5839-1:2002. The alarm is to be via loop powered sounders. D4.1 The Fire Detection and Alarm system is to be designed using Notifier equipment. The main control panel is to be equipped with a printer.
D3.6
D3.7
D3.8 D4
D4.2 Occasionally an alternative system may be required. D4.3 Where the project comprises an alteration or an extension to an existing building with an existing fire detection system, the Project Manager must provide details of the new installation detailing implication on the existing system. The fire alarm control panel is to be located where it is easily accessible for the Fire and Rescue Service and where it can easily be monitored by staff. In larger buildings where
D4.4
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slave panels are provided these will need to be treated and installed in a similar manner to the main fire alarm control panel. D4.5 A framed coloured zonal diagram is to be located adjacent to each fire alarm control panel. Each addressable device in the system is to be labelled with address, number, and zone to correspond with the fire panel text. The audibility of the fire alarm is to comply with BS 5839 and must not exceed 100 db(A) measured at 1 metre from the sounder. Analogue addressable Optical smoke detectors shall normally be used throughout the building but where there is a high risk of them being falsely activated or in high-risk areas alternative forms of detection should be considered. All detectors shall be LPCB approved. In addition to the requirements for Fire Detection in the relevant section of the British Standard, detection is also to be provided in High Risk areas. High Risk areas will include plant rooms, some electrical service rooms or voids, central computer rooms and specific areas of inlet/extract ductwork.
D4.6
D4.7
D4.8
D4.9
D4.10 Where sounders are to be used these to be incorporated within the detector units where practical. D4.11 In animal accommodation a low frequency speech system as approved by the Home Office Veterinary Inspectorate must be installed. The system is to have a speech generator amplifier that will produce frequencies below 450Hz and be capable of adaptation for animals with hearing requirements outside this range. The speakers are to be IP65 rated and have a dedicated continuously variable volume control providing outputs between 50 and 90dB and are to be wired using 1.52 mm 2 OHLS cable with red outer sheath over a minimum of 2No. circuits. The approved equipment is to be supplied and commissioned by the University approved specialist supplier. Should the animal area be part of a larger building then the fire alarm outside the animal area is to incorporate similar equipment utilising standard speakers to provide similar voice characteristics as that in the animal accommodation.
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D4.12 In all rooms where examinations are to take place provision to be made to silence the alarms in the room and to substitute a visual warning that can be seen by the invigilator at all times. The change from audio to visual warning is to be controlled by a key switch. Remote indication of the devices isolated shall be provided at the main fire alarm control panel. D4.13 All new systems are to include an interface to automatically initiate a vibrating signal and text message (FIRE) via radio waves to pagers, which are issued to those with impaired hearing. Supplier: Scope, PageTek Pro Include for the supply of 3 No GEO 84ZAA pagers complete with chargers.
D4.14 Where beam detectors are installed means of isolation should be available for when maintenance or other operations are going on which might activate operation of the alarms. Remote indication of the devices isolated shall be provided at the main fire alarm panel. D4.15 Where smoke detectors are located above suspended ceilings or within floor voids within open plan areas, remote LEDs are to be provided for each void detector. D4.16 Smoke detectors are to be fitted in boiler rooms.
D4.17 The specifiers attention is drawn to the section re electrical wiring in the Services Section of this Design Guide. D4.18 The presumption is that all wiring carried out on the fire detection system will be red sheathed unless an alternative is specifically specified. D4.19 The following software and configuration items are to be supplied at handover: (See also D1.14 and D1.15 above) The control equipments manufacturers system programming software. This should allow the user to set up the system initially so that it operates as specified and carry out all required changes to the configuration thereafter. The software must provide at least the ability to program text messages; add, subtract or modify the type of addressable modules; change the sounder and output operation and allow the adjustment of sensitivity of sensors. Site specific configuration. This is the software that contains all of the programmed configuration specific to the site that is the subject of the installation. Full written instructions on the use of the software. Details of a suitable portable computer on which the software can be run The necessary leads for uploading/downloading the control unit where special plugs or leads are required.
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All passwords needed to access all levels of the configuration software and all levels of the control unit menu structure. The software detailed in items i) and ii) should be provided on CD Rom. Two copies of each CD- ROM are required. D4.20 All fire alarm systems are to be fitted with an automatic link to ensure that the Fire and Rescue Service is summoned on the activation of the Fire Detection System. This will operate on the Redcare system linked directly to the University Security Control Room from which position the Fire & Rescue Service will be called. It will be part of the installer's responsibility to arrange for the installation. D4.21 Where installations are a replacement for existing systems all redundant wiring, conduit fittings etc to be removed and surfaces and finishes made good. D4.22 In buildings where new services are run through existing fire barriers these to be made good to maintain the integrity of the barrier to the agreed fire resisting standard. D5 D5.1 EMERGENCY LIGHTING All new Emergency Lighting installations are to comply with BS 5266-1:2005. The emergency lighting is to operate in the event of the local lighting circuit failure to enable the occupants to evacuate safely during conditions of low ambient light levels. Low ambient light levels are defined as 'at night' or where no natural light to an area is provided D5.2 D5.3 D5.4 Maintained illuminated Fire Exit signs should be provided on all fire escape routes. External fire escapes should be provided with non maintained emergency lighting operated by external switches at the exit from each floor of the building. In windowless and basement accommodation maintained fittings should be used. In all other locations fittings are to be non-maintained. All light fittings to be provided with an adhesive coloured label in a location where it can easily be seen. The label is to be 15mm diameter and coloured red for maintained and blue for non-maintained. Emergency lighting is to be provided in all toilets. It is vital that full consideration be given to the placing of emergency lighting and signage so that a person evacuating a building shall be able to follow the designated route in a straightforward manner.
D5.5
D5.6 D5.7
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D5.8
Whilst for ease of escape the Fire Safety Unit does not stipulate the type of fitting to be provided it is assumed that for aesthetic reasons the designer will consider the use of dual purpose fittings for general lighting and emergency use. All lights must have a fully rechargeable battery with a minimum 3 hours operating period. After a full discharge test the recharging period to give a full 3 hours operating period shall not exceed 24 hours.
D5.9
D5.10 All emergency luminaries are to be readily identified by an illuminated indicator LED which on being lit indicates mains power to the battery pack. D5.11 All emergency luminaries shall be provided with means of testing. This to be achieved by providing one of the following: (a) an adjacent key operated switch, mounted at the same height as the normal lighting switches, (b) a self-test facility, or (c) as part of the automatic control system for the primary lighting installation where such a control system exists. D5.12 The use of central battery systems serving separate emergency lighting arrangements is not acceptable for new installations unless the emergency luminaries are fed from a '12 hour supply. D5.13 Where installations are a replacement for existing systems all redundant wiring, conduit fittings etc to be removed and surfaces and finishes made good. D5.14 The following software and configuration items are to be supplied for addressable emergency lighting systems. The control manufacturer's system programming software. This should allow the user to set up the system initially so that it operates as specified and carry out all required changes to the configuration thereafter. The software must provide at least the ability to program text messages, add, subtract or modify the type of addressable modules and the automatic testing frequency and duration. Site specific configuration. This is the software that contains the entire programmed configuration specific to the site that is the subject of the installation. Full written instructions on the use of the software. Details of a suitable portable computer on which the software can be run. The necessary leads for uploading/downloading the control unit where special plugs or leads are required. All passwords needed to access all levels of the configuration software and all of the control menu structure. The software detailed in the above items should be provided on CD Rom. Two copies of each CD Rom are required.
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D6 D6.1 SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
Automatic extinguishing systems making use of inert gasses or other suppressants including water may be specified to protect property or assist in the preservation of business continuity. If a gaseous suppression system is accepted as necessary it is an absolute requirement that co-incidence activation must be a principal feature of the design. A manual lock-off provision must be included in the specification for any suppression system. Where a suppression system is fitted in a room this to be interfaced with the fire detection system and possibly interfaced to the electrical and/or gas installation. Internal fire suppression systems must be used in fume cupboards, which may be, used for work involving flammable/explosive substances. Internal fire suppression by means of a gas extinguishant is acceptable. Fire suppression installation systems in fume cupboards must be provided with an interface to isolate the gas supply where appropriate. All suppression systems to be installed by an LPCB approved contractor in accordance with the appropriate British Standard or better. Where sprinklers are to be installed: All fire alarm devices relating to the building's sprinkler system must be programmed on the fire alarm panel to operate as one zone. This would include flow operated switches, pressure switches and valve anti-tamper devices. Flow operated switches must be accessible and clearly marked with the fire alarm module reference. Flow switch locations must have a permanently piped drain, on the discharge side of the switch. The drain valve should be lockable with a padlock using the standard sprinkler system lock. Each floor or area of the sprinkler system must have a flow switch indicating to the fire panel. Each installation/wet valve should be fitted with isolating valves and bypass pipe arrangement to enable the valve to be maintained without draining down or disabling the system. Each system jockey pump should have suitable isolating valves on either side of the pump to enable the pump and non-return valve to be worked on for maintenance purposes without draining. The isolating valves should be lockable with a padlock using the standard sprinkler system lock.
D6.2
D6.3
D6.4
D6.5
D6.6
D6.7
D6.8
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All external alarm bells should be securely fixed and a sign indicating their function should be mounted adjacent to them. D7 D7.1 VENTILATION, DUCTING AND CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS All ventilation ductwork shall be constructed in accordance with the industries standard specifications, issued by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association, and appropriate to the purpose of the system. Where Galvanised mild steel and other metal ductwork is specified this will be to the requirements of DW/144. Where plastics ductwork is specified this will be to the requirements of DW/154. Where ductwork is specified for kitchen ventilation systems this will be to the requirements of DW/171. All ventilation ductwork shall be designed and installed to be protected from fire in accordance with BS 476-24 or BS EN 1366-1 and classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-3. The method of fire protection shall be that which is appropriate to the system design. Where dampers are fitted in ventilation ducts above suspended ceilings labels to be provided on the ceilings to indicate their locations. Any openings in fire resisting walls and doors, as part of the ventilation system will need protection to a similar fire resisting standard specified for the wall or door. The protection to ventilation openings in fire resisting walls and doors in other locations should be as follows: To an escape corridor in a basement provide an intumescent block and smoke shutters operated automatically by a smoke detector located in the space on either side of the opening.
D7.2
D7.3
D7.4
D7.5
D7.6
All ventilation systems are to be provided with a three way key switch located adjacent to the fire panel in a glass fronted box to operate the system as follows: To be shut off. To run on extract only. To run in automatic mode.
D7.7
Recirculation ventilation systems should all be linked to the fire detection system (except in the case of animal accommodation) in order that the ventilation system shuts down on operation of the evacuation mode. In recirculation systems automatic smoke detectors should be provided within the ductwork, normally within the collector manifold.
D7.8
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D7.9
Where fume cupboard ducting passes between compartment walls and floors and certain other fire resisting structure it is a requirement of the Building Regulations that suitable provision must be made to ensure the fire integrity of the structure. The following design standard is known to be acceptable to Cambridge City Building Control** and is recommended to satisfy this requirement. The design and construction of all ductwork installations serving fume cupboards shall use rigid uPVC to DW /154(Specification for plastic ductwork) shall be circular in shape where passing through compartment walls and floors and at any other position as considered necessary to afford a degree of fire separation. The diameter of any single piece of ducting used in these circumstances shall not be greater than 500mm. To ensure the fire integrity of the structure where fume cupboard ducts pass through, the ducting must be fitted with either intumescent collars securely attached to the structure in accordance with manufacturers instructions or an integral fire wrap with the capability to fully crush the duct in a fire situation. Where the ducting passes through a structure requiring the above precautions, the ducting must not be provided with any additional fire protective coatings within 150mm of the collar or wrap. The wall structure surrounding any duct must be in good order and be close fitting surrounding the duct or wrap and must be of a type of construction that allows for the use of collars or wraps. Any collars fitted must be manufactured to fit the exact size of ducting as poorly fitting collars may have unsatisfactory response. Only collars or wraps that have certification to the level of fire resistance required should be used and designers should ensure availability of suitable collars before specifying size of ducting. Ducting used in these circumstances must be adequately supported with the first support being no more than 300mm from the collar or wall with a second support no more than a further 450mm.
ALL WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. **Any proposals to utilise a Building Control Authority other than Cambridge City Building Control or to carry out installations not in accordance with these recommendations should be discussed and agreed with the Building Control Authority at an early design stage.
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D7.10 Fume cupboard extract fans should be connected to a dedicated electrical circuit and provided with an independent system for isolation in the event of an emergency. Control switches for use by the Fire & Rescue Service must be clearly indicated and located behind a glass fronted box in an easily accessible position adjacent to the main fire control panel. To shut off To run on extract only
D7.11 All fume cupboard ducting must be continuous for its entire length and must discharge at a point above roof level in accordance with prescribed regulations. D7.12 Fire dampers must not be used in fume cupboard extract ductwork.
D7.13 Fume cupboard extract systems are NOT to be linked to the fire warning system.
D8 D8.1 D8.2
GAS SUPPLIES Main gas supply isolation valve to be located outside building with manual operation. Gas supply pipe to branch beyond main isolation valve. One branch to serve boiler; the other branch to serve the remainder of the building. Each branch to have manual isolation valve.
D8.3
D8.4
On operation of the fire detection system all gas valves remain open except that on operation of a smoke detector in a boiler room the gas valve serving the boiler should drop. No main electrical intake or distribution boards to be sited in corridors or staircases unless enclosed in fire resisting material. WATER FOR FIRE FIGHTING
D8.5
D9
D.9.1 Water for fire fighting is normally provided by underground fire hydrants, which must be sited in accordance with the requirements of the Building Regulations Approved Document B. Additional hydrants may be required depending on the size and configuration of the building. D9.2 All fire hydrants are to be installed in accordance with provisions of BS750.
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D9.3
Where suitable underground supplies cannot be provided a form of stored water may be provided. Access to open water supplies will be via hard standings provided and installed in accordance with Building Regulations.
D9.4 D10
Fire hose reels must not be installed in University premises. FIRE SHUTTERS
D10.1 All fire shutters used to protect an opening in a fire resisting wall, which forms part of a means of escape route, must offer the same degree of fire resistance and be held open by an automatic release mechanism actuated by the automatic smoke detection system that covers both sides of the shutter, or by any other system which complies either to the British Standard or European equivalent. D10.2 Precautions to prevent the shutter falling on people are covered in detail by Part K5 in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations and as a general rule so long as the shutter has a controlled descent no other precautions are necessary. D10.3 All shutters located in compartment walls must be capable of being opened and closed manually for fire fighting purposes.
D11
LIFTS
D11.1 Refer also to section D3 Provision for the Disabled.
D11.2 In the event of an activation of the fire detection system all lifts, except those designated evacuation lifts, should return to a specified floor (usually the ground floor). D11.3 Where Evacuation Standard lifts are provided. Upon operation of the fire detection device located in the lift motor room the lift should return to a specified floor (usually the ground floor) D12 SAFETY SIGNS AND SIGNALS
D12.1 All signs are to comply with the Health and Safety (Signs and Signals Regulations) (1996). D12.2 Emergency way finding systems should be installed in accordance with PSPA 002 Part 1 (Code of Practice for the Installation of Emergency Way finding Guidance Systems).
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D12.3 For all new buildings and major refurbishments of existing buildings exit signs conforming to BS: 5499-1 and BS: 5499-4 should normally be used however in the case of refurbishments if a large number of existing European format signs are to remain then this format to be extended. D12.4 Only one format of sign to be used in a building.
D12.5 With the exception of final exits from the building, directional arrows must be used on Exit luminaries. D12.6 It is vital that when locating fire signage that proper consideration is given to the location and size of each sign so that it can be clearly seen and that there is a logical progression towards the final exit. D12.7 Fire Action Notices are to be provided adjacent to all fire alarm call points appropriate to the fire alarm protocol. D12.8 Assembly points to be identified with suitable signage.
D12.9 All lifts with the exception of designated Evacuation Standard lifts to be provided with notices externally warning not to be used in the event of fire. D12.10 Fire extinguishers to be provided with suitable signage where their location is not immediately obvious. D12.11 Fire resisting doors to be fitted with signs as follows: Self closing doors to be provided with notices saying FIRE DOOR - KEEP SHUT. Cupboard not fitted with a self closer to be fitted with a sign saying - FIRE DOOR KEEP LOCKED SHUT. Doors fitted with an automatic release unit to be fitted with sign saying AUTOMATIC FIRE DOOR KEEP CLEAR D12.12 Doors providing means of escape through accommodation and final exits which are likely to become cluttered to be fitted with a sign saying: FIRE ESCAPE ROUTE - KEEP CLEAR D13 FIRE DOORS AND DOORS ON ESCAPE ROUTES
D13.1 Doors on escape routes to open in the direction of travel wherever possible and in all cases where there are likely to be more than 60 people using the door and at final exits.
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D13.2 Where final escape doors are likely to be obstructed externally suitable barriers to be provided. Note that these should not be suitable for securing bicycles. D13.3 Where more than 60 people are likely to need to use an escape door the fastening should be operable on body pressure alone. D13.4 On other escape doors that are lockable, these are to be fitted with a device that can be easily operable in one straightforward movement. This might be by crash bar, emergency pad, thumb turn, or by break glass operation of a simple electronic lock. See later for operation of break glass units. D13.5 Pairs of fire doors to be non-rebated to avoid the use of door selectors. D13.6 Floor springs on fire doors must not be fitted with retainers unless linked into the fire alarm. Closers should not be installed with the hold open facility unless electronically operated. D13.7 In laboratories it may be necessary to consider the use of appropriate seals on the base of doors. D13.8 All fire doors to be fitted with smoke seals and intumescent fire seals that are correct for the fire resistance of the door. D13.9 All fire doors to be discretely marked to indicate their fire resistance which is to comply with the British Woodworking Federations (BWF) requirements. All fire doors used must be certificated to the correct fire resistance & a copy of the certificate must be included in the maintenance manual. All existing doors which are to be upgraded to the correct fire resistance must be upgraded using a system which can be checked by the manufacturer who will issue a certificate on the satisfactory completion of the upgrade, this certificate must be included in the maintenance manual. D13.10 All fire resistant glazing is to be marked as such. The mark is to state the product name, supplier, fire performance rating and safety impact rating. This will comply with the Glass & Glazing Federations (GGF) requirements to ensure that all non reinforced fire resisting glass (clear) is easily identified in the future if a replacement is required. All Pyroshield (GWPP) glass used is to be the safety version. All glazing systems used must be a certificated system to the correct fire resistance for its location. A copy of the certificate must be included in the maintenance manual.
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D13.11 Fire resisting doors to be marked with appropriate signs as specified in section on signs and signals. D13.12 Vision panels must be fitted to comply with relevant legal requirements.
D14
ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL
D14.1 In all University buildings where perimeter or final exit doors are controlled by a door access control system, this may be wired into the security system provided in the building. Such doors must be provided with an electrical/mechanical means of releasing/unlocking the doors in addition to any other facility. This is to be in the form of a GREEN break glass unit situated immediately adjacent to the door D14.2 Green break glass units must be provided with a separate notice stating TO OPEN DOOR BREAK GLASS" and be installed in such a manner that the test facility is readily accessible. D14.3 Internal doors fitted with electronic access control systems which are on escape routes may be automatically released by the operation of the fire alarm system but must be provided with green glass fronted boxes as detailed in D14.1 above. D14.4 Electrical power to all electronic access controls must continue to be provided in the event of a mains power failure by means of a battery backup system with a duration of 8 12 hours and which is automatically trickle charged. There must also be both visual and audible warning given automatically by the unit in the event of a power failure. In the event of loss of electrical supply all electrical locks must fail safe in the open position. D14.5 Before any Department, Institute or Faculty install either a security system or access control to any doors they should in the first instance contact the University Fire Safety Unit. D15 ESCAPE LADDERS
D15.1 The use of manipulative forms of escape ladder are not acceptable. D15.2 The use of vertical and raking escape ladders will only be approved in exceptional circumstances. Where approved these to comply with BS 5395. All such ladders to be fitted with appropriate handrails and protective balustrades.
D16
SUSPENDED CEILINGS
D16.1 Suspended ceiling panels to be marked and made easily removable where they are required to be removed to give access to dampers, smoke detectors and other
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equipment associated with the fire protection scheme and to which access will be required for maintenance and testing. D17 FIRE BARRIERS
D17.1 Where fire barriers are to be taken up above suspended ceilings these to be of a material that has the same or better fire rating than the wall below and can be easily penetrated and repaired when running additional services subsequent to the completion of the building. D17.2 Fire barriers in roof spaces and voids above ceilings and in ducts to be clearly labelled as fire barriers. D17.3 Where holes are made through existing fire barriers these to be made good with an appropriate tested material that has the same or better fire rating than the existing barrier.
D18
ACCESS FOR FIRE FIGHTING
D18.1 Access for Fire Appliances will be in accordance with the current edition of the Building Regulations Approved Document B. D18.2 Additional road marking may on occasion be necessary to secure access arrangements to certain areas. D18.3 If there are to be any gates, bollards or other obstructions on the access road then a full management procedure must be established and documented in the Fire Strategy Document.
D19
PORTABLE FIRST AID FIREFIGHTING APPARATUS
D19.1 Fire extinguishers are to be provided to comply with the current relevant part of BS 5306 and to be manufactured to BS EN3 and in accordance with the recommendations of the University Fire Safety Unit. D19.2 Type, capacity and location arrangements of portable fire fighting apparatus will be in accordance with requirements specified by the University Fire Safety Unit. D19.3 All portable fire fighting apparatus must be obtained from the current approved University supplier.
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D20 PREMISES INFORMATION BOX (PIB)
D20.1 All new buildings should take account of the need to install a PIB of the type and security rating approved by the University Security Adviser.
D21
IT SERVER ROOMS AND ASSOCIATED PLANT
D21.1 IT Server rooms and associated plant may be found in a wide variety of locations, and each set of equipment may vary greatly in both capital cost and business criticality. It is essential that any design proposals should be discussed and agreed with the University Fire Safety Unit at an early design stage. D21.2 The following paragraphs outline some basic minimum recommendations correlating to nominal values: Option A Definition Equipment with a capital cost value up to 100k and which is not business critical. Fire Protection Half hour fire compartmentation, and provision of automatic fire detection in room. Option B Definition Equipment with a capital cost value up to 250k and/or with moderate business criticality. Fire Protection One hour fire compartmentation, and provision of automatic fire detection in room and any voids above or below. Consideration to be given to provision of a suppression system. Option C Definition Equipment with a capital cost value greater than 250k and/or with high business criticality. Fire Protection One hour fire compartmentation, and provision of category L1 automatic detection system plus full suppression system. D21.3 The use of a VESDA system is not considered necessary but consideration should be given to the use of VIEW detection. Note! Only the relevant Department can confirm the level and value of the data for Business Criticality
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VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detecting Apparatus) Air is continuously drawn into the VESDA piping network by an internal aspirator, located in or around the protected area. A sample of this air is transported through the filter to the detection chamber. In the detection chamber, the air sample is exposed to a highly stable laser light source. Light scattered by smoke is detected by very sensitive receivers. VIEW (Very Intelligent Early Warning) Is an analogue, addressable, low profile high sensitivity smoke sensor. The unique design of this sensor uses an extremely bright, tightly focused laser diode, with special lens and mirror optics, allowing smoke detection sensitivity up to 50 times greater than traditional photoelectric technology.
PRINCIPAL CONTACTS LIST All requests for advice and assistance during normal office hours should initially be directed to the FSU Single Point of Contact 01223 337822. Senior Secretary Secretary University Fire Safety Manager University Fire Officer Assistant University Fire Officer (Technical) Assistant University Fire Officer (Training) Principal Building Technician Principal Electrical Technician Consultant Brenda Guthrie Christine Crowley Gerry Dacey Gerry Walker Graham Crouch Graham Cowell Andrew Kerley James Gorman Darren Franks
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D4 Design and Standards Brief

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EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

"Promoting Safety - Reducing Risk"

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

PART D - FIRE POLICY

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

Documents to be available at the completion of New Builds and major refurbishment

Building/ URN Code:

Date Filed/ Signed

3. 3.1 4. 4.1 4.2 5. 5.1 6.

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

D11.1 Refer also to section D3 Provision for the Disabled.

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

EM FIRE SAFETY UNIT

FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

ACCESS FOR FIRE FIGHTING

PORTABLE FIRST AID FIREFIGHTING APPARATUS

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

IT SERVER ROOMS AND ASSOCIATED PLANT

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FIRESAFE Factfile: D4 Reviewed 2011

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