Conference 2015 Chris Barry, B.Sc. M.Sc. Pg. Dip. F.S.P. N.D.F.E.M. Review of T.G.D. Part B: Fire Safety Conference 2015

~ General overview of T.G.D. Part B ~ Provision of Community Dwellings Presentation Objectives ~ General overview of T.G.D. Part B ~ Provision of Community Dwellings ~ Impact on Healthcare Nursing Homes ~ Provisions for Persons with Disabilities

Rationale for the review of T.G.D. Part B Fire Safety The current version of T.G.D. Part B was published by the Minister for the Environment Community and Local Government in 2006,following some amendments to the previous 1997 version. The 2006 amendments were relatively limited in scope and much of the provisions of the1997 version were retained Main reasons for the review -now 18 yrs. since a substantial review -Developments in materials and methods of construction -Changes in other T.G.D. -Update provisions – codes of practice -Developments in international fire safety standards - EU regulations

Overall Approach Conservative Potential Incremental Impact Proportionate Potential Impact

Governing Principals Protection of life Occupants escape safely without external assistance No reliance on external rescue by fire service Normally a Single fire in building Assumes occupants with disabilities

Inputs to the Review TGD Part B Research/ Discussions Stakeholders Conference Public consultation proposals Review steering group meetings Conferences/ Professional networking Reports

Review Process How proposal is expected to solve problem Approach of similar jurisdictions Effect of any change Evidence of existence of problem Alternatives explored: accepted or rejected A

T.G.D. Part B Regulatory Framework Building Control Acts1990 & 2007 Building Regulations 1997-2014 Building Control Regulations 1997-2014 Fire Safety Certificate Part B – Fire Safety Commencement notice Technical Guidance Document Part B Fire Safety2006 Certificate of compliance on completion

Main proposed amendments: General Format Provision for two volumes-Vol.1 Dwellings, Vol.2-Buildings other than dwellings General updating referenced standards/C.O.P.s Definitions in a single section , Additional Diagrams

Vol.1 Dwellings: P.G. 1(a) ,1(b),1(d) Windows for escape or rescue-angled approach deleted Replacement of windows for escape or rescue-change in emphasis “should meet” replaces “recommended” New requirement for “thumb turn” latches without the use of a key in domestic dwellings Fire appliance access distance amended to “45m from all points within the house” (new dwellings) New provision for isolation of P.V panels (ET101)

Dwellings: Community Dwellings P.G 1(d) New reference to provisions in I.S.3218 2013 –current ref to BS 5839-6 Provision of L2 category F.A.D.S. in dwellings – increase in coverage Community Dwellings P.G.1(d) F.S.C Required – no D.A.C. required Community Dwellings- Additional provisions in Vol.1 plus Ref to Proposed HSE C.O.P- (Management issues ) 150m2 max. area on upper floors,3 Storey limit ,no basement Provision of Fire Doors, Fire resisting enclosure, Provision of signage and emergency light(s),

Healthcare: Nursing Homes New minimum requirement for sprinklers in Nursing Homes of any height BS 9251:2014 Protection of Life Additional limits on beds per compartment 10no. Provision of free swing doors Hospitals continue reference to HTM 05-02 - B1 Means of escape Existing provision for sprinklers at 30m height

Main proposed amendments: General Disability Issues New provision of evacuation lifts at 18m height (fire fighting lifts) Enhanced reference to provision of refuges in body of text (1.4.15) Expansion of provisions for facilities in refuge areas -communications etc. Door widths: method of measurement of door width redefined to include door hardware. B1 Door Fastenings-New reference to electrically powered locks and new reference to FprEN 13637 & EN 179 2008 – Now Applies to all Purpose Groups (1.4.3.2)

Thank you chris.barry@environ.ie