Fire protection and detection

Fire protection

The apartments are designed to meet fire containment standards in accordance with the building regulations.

To provide fire containment within the apartment:

• The FD60 front door, has an automatic adjustable closer unit fitted onto the frame and will contain a fire for 60 minutes
• An intrumescent strip (Image 1) is recessed into the top and sides of the door frame (when subjected to heat the strip will automatically expand to reduce the rate at which heat and smoke penetrate the doorways)

To maintain protection and contain a fire:

• Keep fire doors properly closed at all times
• Do not remove or disconnect the automatic door closer, or hold doors open
• Do not store materials that might exacerbate a fire
• Do not obstruct escape routes or the access into or out of the apartment

Notes

Redecoration of doors

To avoid affecting the fire protection properties, do not paint over the intumescent strip around the doors.

Care and maintenance of automatic door closers

Periodically oil the connecting chain and spring cylinder, to maintain smooth operation. Door closers contain a powerful spring, which is inserted into the body of the unit, when under pressure. For safety reasons, only a competent tradesperson should be employed to repair or replace a door closer unit.

Fire detection

Each apartment is fitted with an independent fire detection system which is not linked to any central or remote monitoring services. There are two linked detector units that incorporate alarm sounders:

• 

  Image 1: Smoke detector
  A smoke detector located in the hall ceiling (Image 1)
• 

  Image 2: Heat detector
  A heat detector located in the kitchen ceiling (Image 2)

The detectors constantly monitor the immediate areas - they are powered from the apartment electricity supply and have internal back-up batteries.

Checking detectors are operating normally

Refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions for guidance to check that:

• The units are receiving mains power
• The batteries are healthy

When a potential fire risk condition occurs

• The alarm will sound and a red LED will flash on the activated unit

In the event of a false alarm

If the activation is a false alarm, the unit may be silenced by pressing the “test/hush” button for a few seconds. This action will silence the alarm for approximately 10 minutes, after which the unit will automatically re-set. However, if the smoke density increases when in silenced mode, the alarm will automatically restart.

• Open windows and doors to clear the air
• Apply vacuum nozzle around the affected smoke detector

Notes

Fire detector system testing and maintenance

Regular testing and maintenance is the responsibility of the resident and should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

Back-up battery replacements

The detector unit will beep every 60 seconds to indicate that a battery needs to be changed; use only batteries recommended by the manufacturer.