The Function and Purpose of the UK Building Regulations - Assignment Example

ANSWERS TO EXAM QUESTIONS 1) Explain the function/ purpose of the UK Building Regulations. Building regulations are set of standards and technical specifications to address a particular building requirement such as those that concerning dwellers’ convenience, health and safety, and energy conservation. For instance, the Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992 cover building design requirements for common parts of flats while the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2006 contains fire safety requirements in order to ensure safety of building occupants from fire. Building regulations set objective and appropriate standards, provide statutory guidance, monitor and enhance building control systems and service. However, Building Regulations does not impose any requirements but for fire safety, it is recommended to consider the its content. This is because a building design that is unrealistic will have difficulty meeting the requirements of the Regulation (Approved Document B1, 2006, p.5). 2) Describe the purpose and main elements of: (a) Fire Strategies Fire strategies are generally to minimize fire occurrence and spread, and provide people with appropriate means of escape in case of fire. Fire strategies commonly consider the stability of buildings in case of fire, means to warn occupants of fire such as alarm, means to prevent fire spread such as fire resistance internal linings ad doors, sprinkler systems, prevent fire from spreading into neighbouring building, and adequate facilities for fire appliances during a response (Approved Document B1, 2006, p.8). An effective fire safety strategy enable adequate means of quickly detecting fire and raising the alarm, ensure proper emergency evacuation, and reduce level of risk (Department of Health, 2006, p.1) (b) Fire Safety Management Plans Fires safety management plans aim to ensure complete fire safety system in particular building. These include considering factors that can lead to fire and probability of fire occurrence. For this reason fire safety management plans often anticipate probability of fire, ability to prevent fire, means of escape, and others by examining building structure, design, and fire safety features. In case of fire, fire safety management plans also anticipate fire severity and devise solutions to reduce it. More importantly, it consider the safety of occupants while escaping from fire thus incorporate fire extinguishing methods and control, degree of fire containment, smoke control, warning system, and facilities the fire service to ensure fast and effective response (Approved Document B1, p.11). 3) In brief, what are the five functional requirements for life safety addressed in Part B of the Building Regulations (as amended). Both Approved Document B Vol. 1 and 2 contains five functional requirements for life safety. These are means of warning and escape, internal fire spread (linings), internal fire spread (structure), external fire spread, and access and facilities for the fire service. For instance, means of warning and escape require buildings to have appropriate provision for early warning devices, appropriately designed means of escape, and safe use of materials while internal fire spread (linings) require buildings to have walls, partition, ceiling, and other internal structure with adequate fire resisting lining to control rapid spread of fire (Approved Document B1, 2006, p.24) . 4) Explain what is meant by, and the differences between, prescriptive and performance based design. The main difference between prescriptive design and performance-based design method is there objectives. The objective of prescriptive design to meet a certain acceptable level of capacity while performance-based design intends to achieve a specific level of performance. For instance, fire performance of a product is very important since it would the length of fire resistance and time to escape. It commonly include performance rating of materials and products, classification, calculation and methods of measurement, and so on. In contrast, a prescriptive design commonly deals with reasonable standards of fire safety satisfactory site installation, workmanship, and maintenance procedures (Approved Document B1, 2006, p.5). In fire protection, the advantage of prescriptive design is its simplicity as it do not require too much analysis. It can cover a broad range of conditions thus suitable for complex facilities and different properties of fire. In some occasion, prescriptive design can be more flexible than custom performance-based design (Lataille 2003, p.33). Performance-based design on the other hand is intended for specific goal or use and application. These include performing calculations to determine the most suitable design fire and life safety performance (Association of Fire Chief International 2011, p.133). 5) What are the recommended travel distance limitations (single direction & more than one direction) for the following: (a) A normal hazard storage facility. Limitations on travel distance in Table 2 of Approved Document B2 for normal hazard storage facility is 25 metres for one direction and 45 metre if more than one direction. (b) A place of special fire hazard. Travel distance for a place of special fire hazard specified in Table 2 of Approved Document B2 is 9 metres for one direction and 18 metres if more than one direction. 6) Why do elements of structure require a fire resistance? How is fire resistance determined? Structures are vulnerable to heat thus the fire resistance of structural elements is important in determining is stability during fire. For instance, load bearing elements such as structural frames, floors, load bearing walls, and so on can be severely affected by fire and in the process loss its stability and collapse. According to Approved Document B1, fire resistance of structural elements is measured by its ability to resist collapse, fire penetration, and transfer of excessive heat (p.30). Fire resistance refers to the length of time that a building or its components can withstand a fire. For this reason fire resistance ratings are stated in hours based on the hours withstands during a standard test fire. However, since actual fire is more or less severe from the standard test fire, fire resistance ratings are merely guidelines (Association of Fire Chief International 2011, p.158). 7) What is meant by the following terms: (a) Life safety Life safety generally means protecting and saving people’s lives in case of fire. For instance, according to Approved Document B2, a sprinkler system is a life safety system as it reduces the risk to life. Similarly, a well-designed means of escape is a life safety system as it allows people to reach an absolute place of safety outside the building (p.10). (b) Property protection In fire safety, property protection is to limit the damage fire can cause to a building including its content. Moreover, property protection extends to the ability of occupants to resume their normal activities in the soonest possible time. Therefore, property protection is about developing appropriate fire safety design for building including fire safety management when the building is already operational (Approved Document B2, 2006, p.10). (c) Fire resistance Fire resistance is the ability of an element to withstand the effects of fire. These included its ability to maintain its load bearing capacity despite heat, resist fire penetration and maintaining integrity, and insulating capability to control heat transfer (Approved Document B1, 2006, p.30). Fire resistance of a material or structure is generally ensured to restrict the spread of fire and retain their mechanical and physical integrity. For instance, the fire resistance of combustible materials is often determined by the time taken for the back-face temperature to reach 160 degrees centigrade. This is the point where fire is likely to spread and ignited nearby materials (Mouritz & Gibson 2006, p. 97). (d) Cavity barrier. Cavities are concealed spaces in the construction of a building such as voids in walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs. Cavities are ready route for smoke and flame during a fire thus cavity barriers are required to control the spread of smoke and flames (Approved Document B1, 2006, p.35). Cavity barriers are usually constructed with fire resisting materials with at least 30 minutes resistance in terms of integrity and 15 minutes in terms of insulation (Billington et al, 2007, p.141). 8) What information is required when designing a means of escape from Fire in a premises or building? Information for designing means of escape may be gathered from a comprehensive risk assessment of the building. Information include the nature of the building structure, use of building, processes and materials stored, possible sources of fire, compartmentation and fire resistance of structures, and the quality of the fire safety management plan (Approved Document B2 2006, p.16). The type of occupancy is an important factor in designing means of escape. For instance, building containing sleeping occupants is high risk and demand adequate and appropriate compartmentation while building with often visited by the public require wide and multiple escape routes due to crowding. In contrast, means of escape for offices or small shops is relatively simple (Wiggins 2010 p.226). 9) What is the function of smoke control? Give examples of different types of smoke control system. Briefly explain how a smoke control system could be used to allow extended travel distances over those recommended in Approved Document B. Provision for means of escape include protecting those trying to escape from smoke reaching corridor or lobby thus there should some means of ventilating this smoke – smoke control. Natural smoke ventilation is one type of smoke control in buildings. This can be vents in the corridor, lobby, and stair specifically designed with either manual or automatic actuator. Vents should be located either external wall with minimum free are of 1.5 square metres or discharge in vertical smoke shaft. Mechanical smoke control or ventilation is alternative to natural ventilation using pressure differentials specified in BS EN 1201-6:2005 (Approved Document B2, p.30). Basic principle of means of escape includes provision for alternative escape route because smoke and noxious gases can obscure the escape routes and exit. With smoke control, either natural or mechanical, these escape routes will be free from smoke and gases and therefore safe for escaping building occupants. For instance, a building with long corridors but with smoke control can be use as escape route because it is free from smoke and fumes thus allow extended travel distance (Approved Document B1, p.13). 10) Discuss the objectives of fire safety and the five tactics available to the fire safety designers seeking to fulfill the fire safety objectives? Define fire engineering and discuss its importance. Fire safety has five objectives set out in Approved Document B1 (2006, p.10-11) and these include: a) Provisions for giving alarm of fire and appropriate means of escape in the event of fire. b) Inhibition of fire spread over the internal linings c) Stability of building during a fire and adequate degree of fire separation within buildings and between adjoining buildings d) Ensure adequate fire resistance for external walls and roofs to prevent spread of fire e) Adequate facilities for the fire and rescue service so then can effectively fight the fire and save lives. Fire safety engineering can provide an alternative approach to fire safety and solve problems with building design regarding fire safety. BS 7974 Fire safety engineering in buildings contains the framework and guidance for fire safety designers and include considerations of different factors that may affect a building’s fire safety system. Probability of fire occurrence Fire severity in case of fire Structure resistance to fire and spread of smoke The potential danger to people in and out the building In terms of fire resistance, designers can consider the following to fulfil the five above: Determine the amount of combustible material per unit or fire load density Ease of escape and fire fighting operations as affected the height of the top floor measured from the ground The building’s occupancy type and ease of evacuation Heat and smoke ventilation particularly if the building have basements The possibility of direct escape, structural failure and resistance to collapse Fire safety engineering is generally the application of scientific and engineering principles to protect people, property, and environment from fire. It is associated fire safety precautions in a complex building structure. It evaluates fire hazard and risk and develops fire strategies and designs based on performance rather than prescription. It is important because it provides a more fundamental and economic solution compared to traditional approaches to fire safety. It provides the following benefits: Provide designer with discipline approach to fire safety Enable comparison of safety levels Enable selection of appropriate fire protection systems Provide designer opportunities for innovate design Provide information on the management of fire safety for a building 11) There are five main factors which will affect the development of fire growth within a compartment. They can be divided into two categories: those that are concerned with the compartment itself and those which are concerned with the fuel. Identify these factors. Factors affect fire growth within a compartment includes: Room size Interior finish Shape Ceiling height Placement and area of doors and windows Room size, shape, ceiling height, placement and size of doors and windows are concerned with the compartment itself while interior finish including room content are concerned with fuel. It may also include openings that allow entry of fresh air (International Investigators 2011, p.63). 12) What is the recommended minimum number of escape routes from a storey with 650 people? The number of occupants is the basis for the number of escape routes in a building. In Table 3 of Approved Document B2 , the minimum number of escape routes or exits for 600 persons or more is 3. However, this number is likely to increase depending on the travel distance and other practical considerations. 13) What is the minimum exit width required to accommodate 220 people? The width of escape routes or exist is dependent on the number of people that will use them in case of fire. Table 4 of Approved Document B2 requires escape routes that will be use by 220 people to have a minimum width of 1050 mm. 14) A building with five above ground floors is served by two escape stairs without lobby protection. What is the minimum width of the escape stairs if each floor accommodates 150 persons? If there are 5 floors served with 150 occupants in each floor then 150 x 5 = 750 persons will use a single stair. However, there are 2 escape stairs and therefore 750/2 = 375 persons each stair. In Table 7 of Approved Document B2, a building with 5 floors and 380 persons requires 1.1 metre stair width. 15) What classifications (National and European) should the linings in circulation spaces other than within dwellings have? Table 10 of Approved Document B2 contains classifications for circulation spaces with dwellings – National Class 1 & European Class C-s2, d2. However, National Class 0 and European Class B-s3, d2 can be applied to other circulations spaces such as the common areas of blocks of flats. 16) Give four examples of where it is recommended to provide a compartment wall or floor. Compartmentation is a complementary provision to protect escape routes against spreading fire. It is recommended for (Approved Document B2, p.71): Junctions and protected shafts Occupied part of building that is being used for other purpose Places of special fire hazard such as building containing flat Institution buildings including health care facilities Non-residential buildings such as office, shop, and so on 17) What is the maximum recommended compartment size for each of the following cases: (a) A single storey shop with sprinkler protection. Table 12 of Approved Document B2 recommends no limit for a single storey sprinklered shop. (b) A single storey industrial unit. Table 12 of Approved Document B2 recommends no limit for a sprinklered single storey industrial unit with less than 18 metres height 18) Specify the classification for the external surfaces/walls of any building with a height of less than 18m above ground floor level which is located less than 1m from the relevant boundary. Diagram 40 of Approved Document B2 classify external walls of any building with less than 18 metres in height and located 1 metre from the relevant boundary as Class 0 (National Class) or Class B-s3, d2 or better (European class). However, it is also acceptable to use flat steel sheet of at least 0.5mm thick with an organic coating of not more than 0.2 mm in thickness. 19) Where are notional boundaries assumed to exist? Notional boundaries are assumed to exist in building belonging to residential and recreation purpose groups. It also exists in buildings constructed on the same site but operated or managed by different organizations (Approved Document B2, 2006, p.97). 20) What is the maximum size of an opening (unprotected area) that can be discounted? Diagram 46 of Approved Document B suggest that the maximum total area of unprotected area is 30 square metres 21) What is the maximum total percentage of unprotected area permitted on the elevation of a residential building that is 5m from the relevant boundary? Table 4 of Approved Document B1 suggest that the maximum total percentage of unprotected are for building that is 5 metres from the relevant boundary is 40% 22) What are the fire service vehicle access requirements in the following cases: (a) A five storey building without fire mains where each storey is 200m2 and the top storey is 15m above fire service vehicle access level. Fire service vehicle access requires (Approved Document B2, p.108) Buildings without fire mains should have hydrant with 90 meters of dry fire main inlets Alternative source of water supply should provided if no piped water supply is available There should be vehicle access for pump appliances of at least 15% of the perimeter. (b) A five storey building provided with dry fire mains where each storey is 200m2 and the top storey is 15m above fire service vehicle access level. In building fitted with dry fire mains, access for a pumping appliance within 18 metres of each fire main inlet connection (Approved Document B2, p.11) 23) In each of the following cases state whether a fire fighting shaft is recommended and if so whether or not a fire fighting lift is also required: (a) An office building with a top occupied floor of 200m2 located at 19m above fire service vehicle access level. Building with floor more than 18 metre should be provided with firefighting shafts containing firefighting lifts (Approved Document B2, p.112). (b) A four storey assembly building with a top storey of 1200m2 located 10m above fire service vehicle access level. Building in Purpose Groups 4, 5, and 6 with a storey of 900 square metre or more and more than 7.5 metre above fire and rescue service vehicle access level should be fitted with firefighting shafts but firefighting lift are optional (Approved Document B2, p.111). 24) What components does a typical fire fighting shaft comprise? Every firefighting shaft should have at least a firefighting stair and firefighting lift complete with car, lift well, life machinery space, lift control system, and communication system Equipped with fire mains having outlet connections and valves at every storey Source: Approved Document B2, p.112 25) What is the minimum recommended fire resistance periods in terms of loadbearing capacity, integrity and insulation, for the following elements of structure etc: (a) A protected stairway which does not form part of a compartment wall or a protected shaft A protected stairway which does not form part of a compartment wall or a protected shaft should have a 30 minutes load bearing capacity, a 30 minutes integrity, and 30 minutes insulation fire resistance (Approved Document B, Table A1). (b) Cavity barrier. Cavite barrier has no load bearing capacity does fire resistance for this category is not applicable. For integrity, cavity barriers should have 30 minutes fire resistance and 15 minutes fire resistance for insulation (Approved Document B2, Table A1). 26) What is the definition of an inner room? In terms of escape, an inner room is defined as a room from which escape is only possible through another room or the access room (Approved Document B2, p.143). Considering layout of the inner room is important since the only way out the room is through another room in case of fire. In worst cases, fire in the outer room can trapped those in the inner room (Communities and Local Government, 2006, p.12) 27) What is the minimum recommended fire resistance periods for the following structures: (a) A 30m high sprinkler protected residential building Table A2 of Approved Document B2 suggest that the recommended fire resistance for 30m high sprinkler protected residential building is 90 minutes. (b) A single storey shop with sprinkler protection. Table A2 of Approved Document B2 suggest that the recommended fire resistance for single storey or below 5 metres high sprinkler protected shop is 30 minutes. 28) What floor space factors would be appropriate in the following areas? (a) An office In Table C1 of Approved Document B2, offices should have a floor space factor of 6.0 square metres per person. (b) A kitchen. In Table C1 of Approved Document B2, a kitchen should have a floor space factor of 7.0 square metres per person. 29) What purpose groups would be appropriate for the following premises? (a) An art gallery In Table D1 of Approved Document B2, art gallery belongs to Group 5 – Assembly and recreation (b) A restaurant In Table D1 of Approved Document B2, restaurants belongs to Group 4 – Shop and commercial (c) A car park. In Table D1 of Approved Document B2, a car park belongs to Group 7(b) – Storage and other non-residential 30) According to Table C1, what floor space factors would be appropriate in the following areas? (a) An office An office should have 6.0 square metres per person (Approved Document B2, 2006, Table C1) (b) A kitchen A kitchen should have 7.0 square metres per person (Approved Document B2, 2006, Table C1) References: Approved Document B1, 2006, Volume 1- Dwellinghouses, The Building Regulations 2000, Communities and Local Government, UK Approved Document B2, 2006, Volume 2- Buildings other than Dwellinghouses, The Building Regulations 2000, Communities and Local Government, UK Billington M, Bright K, & Waters J, 2007, The Building Regulations: Explained and Illustrated, Wiley-Blackwell, United Kingdom Communities and Local Government, 2006, Fire Safety Risk Assessment: Educational Premises, The Stationery Office, United Kingdom Department of Health, 2006, Managing healthcare fire safety, Issue 1, Estates and Facilities Division, The Stationery Office, United Kingdom Association of Fire Chiefs International, 2011, Fire Inspector: Principles and Practice, Jones & Bartlett Publishers, United States International Investigators, 2011, Fire Investigator: Principles and Practice to NFPA 921 and 1033, Jones & Bartlett, United States Latallie J, 2003, Fire Protection Engineering in Building Design, Butterworth-Heinemann, United States Mouritz A. & Gibson A, 2006, Fire Properties of Polymer Composite Materials, Springer, Netherlands Wiggins J, 2010, Facilities Manager’s Desk Reference, John Wiley and Sons, Malaysia Read More