Part B: Fire Safety Strategy
Buildings of special architectural or historic interest
0.17 Where Part B applies to existing buildings, particularly buildings of
special architectural or historic interest for which the guidance in this
document might prove too restrictive, some variation of the provisions in
this document may be appropriate. In such cases, it is appropriate to assess
the hazard and risk in the particular case and consider a range of fire safety
features in that context. (p.4)
Ground Floor 1:150
The application of fire safety measures has been applied where possible
and with success. Where some regulations have been varied due to the
restrictive nature of the building.
According to Table 0.1, the new function of the Square Tower is classified
under the purpose group ‘Assembly and Recreation.’ The fire regulations
applied within this building represents this purpose group as the main
function of the building is a museum.
Means of Escape Strategy
Horizontal Escape: In compliance with limitations on travel distance as
shown in Table 2.1, for an Assembly and Recreation building, the maximum
travel distance in one direction is 18m and 45m with more than one
direction.
Vertical Escape: The ground floor to first floor stair shouldn’t have to be
used as a means for escape as there is an exit on the first floor. However if
the first floor exit is blocked, there is a refuge point adjacent to the stairs
so the escape route is not obstructed (3.6) There is also a refuge point
available on the roof which will not obstruct the flow of people escaping.
Due to the historic listing of this building, it is unable to comply with the
required provisions. As a museum there would be trained staff to assist
in the event of an evacuation and the size and proximity of the building
means the next exit point can be reach quickly.
S
Active Fire Protection
B1. The building shall be designed and constructed so that there are
appropriate provisions for the early warning of fire, and appropriate means
of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the
building capable of being safely and effectively used at all material times.
Active fire detection within this project includes, a Combined Smoke/ Heat/
Carbon Monoxide Detector which is linked to Fire Alarm for an automatic
response. There is also break glass for manual detection of fire which will
trigger the fire alarms.
For the suppression of fires, there are fire extinguishers and fire blankets
available to hopefully minimise the damage to the museum exhibits.
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