Page 6 - food store model (with first floor accomodation)

Reference Guide Fire Strategy

In this instance the primary design code used is Approved Document B (ADB).

The Building Regulations outline 5 Functional Requirements of Fire Safety, as detailed
below:

• B1 – Means of Warning and Escape,

• B2 – Internal Fire Spread (Linings),

• B3 – Internal Fire Spread (Structure),

• B4 – External Fire Spread, and

• B5 – Access and Facilities for the Fire Service.

This report aims to address each of the Functional Requirements above and provides

comment on the ongoing Fire Safety Management required within retail premises.

Under Regulation 3 of the Building Regulations 2010, the term ‘Material Alteration’ is defined

by reference to a list of ‘relevant requirements’ of Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations.
That list includes the requirements of Parts B1, B3, B4 and B5. This means that an alteration
which, at any stage of work, results in a building being less satisfactory than it was before in

relation to compliance with Parts B1, B3, B4 and B5 is a material alteration, and is therefore
controlled by Regulation 4 as it is classified as ‘building work’.

B1 – Means of Warning and Escape

1.4.1 Fire alarm and detection system

All stores are to be provided with an automatic fire alarm and detection system designed and
installed to not less than Category L3 standard, in accordance with BS5839-1. It is noted that

this is an enhancement above the Category M alarm system, required by ADB for such
premises.

1.4.2 Occupancy Numbers

The methodology used to determine the anticipated population within a given space is the
use of plan floor area and a floor space factor. The determination of a projected occupancy

is critical in establishing the number of escape routes required, the sizing of doors on escape
routes and the necessary width of stairs.

To determine population numbers; divide the plan floor area by the appropriate floor space
factor given in the table below. A value of 4.0m2/person has been adopted for a shop sales

Document Classification Final Document Ref: 3.1-RCS-RHSE-(110)-264 Version 1.1
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