Approved Document B Fire Safety - 2.9

[Octopus]

So, we have a planning application in to build an extension and we want to have a small office, in the extension, off the corridor. Because the office is facing our boundry fence, and is within 1 metre of the boundry we are not allowed a window above 1m sq.

So the planners have told us that our 2m sq office requires 2 doors, so there is alternative means of escape. So once we have 2 doors and a small desk there won;t be any point in having the office.

This seems very daft to me.

I've also been reviewing the rules for smokes and that is as clear as mud too!

 

[not clever]

So long as the wall & door onto the hallway are of a 30 min burn rating & the hallway leads directly to an exit you dont need a double exit from the room.
Provisions for escape from the
ground storey
2.3

Except for kitchens, all habitable rooms in the ground storey should either:

a.open directly onto a hall leading to the

entrance or other suitable exit;
or

b.be provided with a window (or door) which complies with paragraph 2.8.

 

[Octopus]

Well, as planned the "corridor" also allows access to the dining room, garage and family room.

So 2.8 means the 2nd door is required as I understand it!

 

[Guest55]

just paint a fake 2nd door onto the wall for the inspectors visit.

 

[Guitarist]

just paint a fake 2nd door onto the wall for the inspectors visit.

If the inspector bothers looking....

 

[Octopus]

If the inspector bothers looking....

Unfortunately the local BC was sued after a rather nasty house fire about 3 years ago so they are really "hot" on this sort of thing