Fire Alarm regulations

The building regulations are very strict in regards to fire safety and there are specific regulations regarding fire doors as well as smoke alarms.

The building regs are so explicit because fire safety is obviously hugely important - especially for loft conversions which essentially add a new story to the building. And smoke alarms can, and do, save peoples lifes.

So What Are The Regulations

The most important thing to grasp is that the building regulations require that each story of a property must have at least one automatic smoke alarm fitted. In addition to this the alarms must be wired into the mains and have a working battery back up system.

These fire alarm regulations are mandatory and must be included in all loft conversions. A final completion certification will not be issued if these alarms are not in place.

Where To Fit Them

There are some quite specific rules regarding the positioning of smoke alarms.

Basically the building regs specify that smoke alarms must be fitted in 'circulation spaces'. In other words landings and hallways and must be sited within 7.5 meters of a habitable room.

But there is also some common sense thinking that can also be applied when thinking about where to locate the alarms. Most fires in domestic properties begin either in bedrooms, the living room or the kitchen.

Fitting additional smoke alarms in these areas will obviously help the time available for the houses occupants to escape should the worse happen.

Mains operated smoke alarms together with self closing fire doors help to provide a very good first line of defence against the risk of fire. And that can only be a good thing.

For more info see the related pages below or complete the form at the bottom of the page for a free no obligation quote from tradesmen near you for your loft conversion project...

Loft Conversion Prices

Adding A Dormer

About Loft Conversions

Loft Conversion Information For UK Homeowners

Step By Step Loft Conversion

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