1. National Directorate for Fire and
Fire Safety in New and Existing Community Dwelling Houses
Chris Barry B.Sc. ,M.Sc. ,Pg. Dip. FSP,
H.N.C.
National Directorate for Fire and
Emergency Management.
May 2019

2. Presentation Overview
·         Building Regulations
·     Background to the development of the code
· TGD B Vol 2 Dwelling Houses general provisions
·     Definition of a Community Dwelling House
·         COP Fire safety measures
·         COP Management provisions
·         COP Risk Assessment
·        Conclusion

3. T.G.D. Part B Regulatory Framework
Building Control Acts1990 & 2007
Building Regulations
Building Control Regulations
Fire Safety Certificate
TGD Parts A-M
Part B – Fire Safety
Commencement notice
Lodgement of Plans
Technical Guidance Document
Part B Fire Safety 2006
Vol.2 Dwelling Houses
Certificate of compliance on completion

4. Building regulations provide for Life safety
Smoke is the primary threat to life, where fires occur in buildings.  Smoke can result from combustion of a variety of building contents, including furniture, and building fabric. 
FDAS give early warning in the event of fire, and enable people to exit from the building at as early a stage as possible. 
Emergency Lighting
Protected means of escape
Fire Doors
Compartmentation
clarifies provision of opening area
(a) Clarifies the area should be 0.33m2 (not450x450=.202m2)
replacement windows now required to be .33m2
Heat producing appliances Add a reference to “STOVES” and removed provisions In text which are from Part J) ,we only reference the TDG J for installation ,location etc. We prefer you to go to Part J to understand all of the provisions in relation to these appliances (in particular caution in relation the correct manner of stove installations)
S Ducts existing provisions (B ) in regard Heat producing appliances separated into Paragraphs headed “Heat producing appliances” and “Ducts” MHVR(Mech. Heat Ventilation Recovery) systems expanded with new reference to BS Section 6 para 35
– replaces reference to “BS –ducted warm air heating system”. Additional reference to BRE Digest 389 “Continuous mechanical ventilation in dwellings”
S Professional Rooms ; new provisions to address perceived current gap in cover to this type of use . Not familiar, elongated access egress, proportionate measure
(Note 1:Table 0.1 with reference to professional rooms does not include PG 1(d))

5. Legislation/Structure
New two volume structure:
Vol.1 Buildings other than dwellings(including Apts)
Vol 2 Dwelling houses
Publication of TGD B Vol 2: new S.I. 57/2017 Building Regulations(Part B Amendment) Regulations
Allows changes in legislation to accommodate reference to means of warning and new definition of dwelling house
New additional functional requirements of the building regulations B6-B10 arranged in Section 0 - Section 5 of TGD B Volume 2
Commencement date 1st July 2017

6. Policy Background
“National housing strategy for Persons with a Disability ”: Department of Environment Community and Local Government
“Time to Move on from Congregated Settings: A Strategy for Community Inclusion”
Report of the Working Group on Congregated Settings, H.S.E. June 2011
“Statement of Strategy ” Department of Environment Community and Local Government:
The Health Act 2007
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’

7. Code of Practice for fire safety in new and existing Community Dwelling Houses
Published by the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management September 2017
Gives further advice about Type 1(d) Community Dwellings
Downloadable from:

8. TGD B Vol.2 Dwelling Houses
TGD B provides that where works are carried out in accordance with this document this will Prime Facie indicate compliance with the Part B of the Second schedule to the building regulations .
1.3.5 Community Dwelling Houses P.G. 1(d)
“A Dwelling house with a maximum of 8 bedrooms which may have no more than one storey, the floor level of which is more than 4.5m above ground level occupied as a group home, under the management of a statutory or voluntary organization providing supported living and residential services.”
This new provision provides guidance in relation to extensions
which clarifies the FDAS provisions
Only the Extension itself(not the rest of the dwelling) must have FDAS in accordance with IS
But a FDAS throughout the house must provided where the following condition apply
where the rear garden is enclosed
the only escape is through a room in the dwelling,
The provision in Dig 5 are not met(garden is not long enough in relation to its height to provide a place of relative safety
(a) In relation to height –width of the window opening the Wording slightly altered to provide clarification-but provisions are not changed(note .450x.450=.202sq.m not .33sq.m)
(b) only refers to the part B provisions and not PART K and qualifies the min height when Ext G.L. is 1.4m below internal floor level.
(f) Refers to TGD K for provision of safety restrictors. EXISTING provisions regarding fitting of lockable handles to windows remain
Final Exits currently provision of thumb latches required in 3 storey dwelling(ref which provides for (b) “simple fastenings”=
“Thumb turn” . Now all final exits require thumb turn
NB 1.5.3(ii) (ii) reference ,but 1.5.2(1+2st houses)does not

9. TGD B Vol.2 Dwelling Houses
A new purpose group has been added 1(d) Community dwelling houses.
Limited to 3 storey
Limited to 8 bedrooms
Special fire requirements above the normal dwelling apply.
Do not attract a Fire Safety cert or Disabled access cert

10. Building Control Acts 1990 & 2007
Fire Services Acts
1981&2003
Planning and Development Acts 2000
Building Control Acts 1990 & 2007
Building Regulations
Building Control Regulations
Planning and Development
Regulations 2001
Part III, Section 18(1)
Single family dwelling
“excluding premises
consisting of a dwelling
house occupied as a
single dwelling”
Material alteration invoked only where works taking place involve Parts A,B,M
TGD Part B – Fire Safety Provide Prime Facia compliance with requirement of building regulations
Section 14(f): Exempt from planning permission “group home…….not exceeding 6 +2 carers“
Exemption from FSC allowed under SI 496 Part III , Article 11(2) (b) “buildings used as a dwelling other than a flat “ No DAC required
Vol. 2 B6-B10 provisions for meeting functional requirements.
Pg 1(d) Community Dwelling houses
Sections may be applied -including Powers of inspection
duties and responsibility of persons in control
Section 5: Exempt from planning permission <40m2/to rear of dwelling
Material change of use invoked only where a non-dwelling is to be converted to a community dwelling house
Material change of use occurs only where a non-dwelling is to be changed to a community dwelling house
Code of practice for fire safety in new and existing Community Dwelling houses
No requirement to carry out works
Opt out from S19 under SI allowed from assigned certifier requirements : single dwelling on a single unit development

11. Code of Practice for fire safety in new and existing Community Dwelling Houses
Management role:
Note: 0.1.6: The Building. Regulations s do not relate to the management of fire safety in buildings Guidance is based on assumption of an adequate level of fire safety management of the building in use
Fire Services Acts 1981 & 2003
Person in control
HSWWA 2005
The Health Act
clarifies provision of opening area
(a) Clarifies the area should be 0.33m2 (not450x450=.202m2)
replacement windows now required to be .33m2
Heat producing appliances Add a reference to “STOVES” and removed provisions In text which are from Part J) ,we only reference the TDG J for installation ,location etc. We prefer you to go to Part J to understand all of the provisions in relation to these appliances (in particular caution in relation the correct manner of stove installations)
S Ducts existing provisions (B ) in regard Heat producing appliances separated into Paragraphs headed “Heat producing appliances” and “Ducts” MHVR(Mech. Heat Ventilation Recovery) systems expanded with new reference to BS Section 6 para 35
– replaces reference to “BS –ducted warm air heating system”. Additional reference to BRE Digest 389 “Continuous mechanical ventilation in dwellings”
S Professional Rooms ; new provisions to address perceived current gap in cover to this type of use . Not familiar, elongated access egress, proportionate measure
(Note 1:Table 0.1 with reference to professional rooms does not include PG 1(d))

12. TGD Part B Fire Safety 2006 Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003
Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003
Section 18.2
(2)It shall be the duty of every person having control over a premises to which this section applies to-
Take all reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire on such premises
Provide reasonable fire safety measures for such premises and prepare and provide appropriate fire safety procedures for ensuring the safety of persons on such premises
Ensure that the fire safety measures and procedures referred to in paragraph (b) are applied at all times, and
ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such outbreak has occurred or not
clarifies provision of opening area
(a) Clarifies the area should be 0.33m2 (not450x450=.202m2)
replacement windows now required to be .33m2
Heat producing appliances Add a reference to “STOVES” and removed provisions In text which are from Part J) ,we only reference the TDG J for installation ,location etc. We prefer you to go to Part J to understand all of the provisions in relation to these appliances (in particular caution in relation the correct manner of stove installations)
S Ducts existing provisions (B ) in regard Heat producing appliances separated into Paragraphs headed “Heat producing appliances” and “Ducts” MHVR(Mech. Heat Ventilation Recovery) systems expanded with new reference to BS Section 6 para 35
– replaces reference to “BS –ducted warm air heating system”. Additional reference to BRE Digest 389 “Continuous mechanical ventilation in dwellings”
S Professional Rooms ; new provisions to address perceived current gap in cover to this type of use . Not familiar, elongated access egress, proportionate measure
(Note 1:Table 0.1 with reference to professional rooms does not include PG 1(d))

13. Person in Control Building Control Act. Building Control Regulations
Professional Advice
Building Control Act.
Building Regulations:
Fire Safety Part B T.G.D
Building Control Regulations
Health Act 2007
Person in control
Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003
Legal Responsibility
H.S.W.W. Act 2005

14. Community Dwelling Houses(P.G.1(d))
Height limited to 3 stories,
No basements’
No open plan
30min. fire resistance to corridors/stairs enclosure regardless of no. of storeys (modified 30min in existing dwellings(30/15/15)
Free swing doors allowed
Emergency luminaires required –
Exit Signage- required if escape route not apparent
Reference to C.O.P. – management-risk assessment
LD1 FDAS to I.S control switch
Increased coverage -Bedrooms+ attics+ other spaces
This new provision provides guidance in relation to extensions
which clarifies the FDAS provisions
Only the Extension itself(not the rest of the dwelling) must have FDAS in accordance with IS
But a FDAS throughout the house must provided where the following condition apply
where the rear garden is enclosed
the only escape is through a room in the dwelling,
The provision in Dig 5 are not met(garden is not long enough in relation to its height to provide a place of relative safety
(a) In relation to height –width of the window opening the Wording slightly altered to provide clarification-but provisions are not changed(note .450x.450=.202sq.m not .33sq.m)
(b) only refers to the part B provisions and not PART K and qualifies the min height when Ext G.L. is 1.4m below internal floor level.
(f) Refers to TGD K for provision of safety restrictors. EXISTING provisions regarding fitting of lockable handles to windows remain
Final Exits currently provision of thumb latches required in 3 storey dwelling(ref which provides for (b) “simple fastenings”=
“Thumb turn” . Now all final exits require thumb turn
NB 1.5.3(ii) (ii) reference ,but 1.5.2(1+2st houses)does not

15. Fire Detection and Alarm System
Provision of LD1 category F.A.D.S. to I.S for 1(d) purpose group
Category LD1: Interconnected self-contained mains powered/battery backed Smoke/Heat
Alarms (as Grade D ) shall be suitably located in: 
all circulation areas that form part of an escape route within the dwelling, and all high fire risk areas/rooms e.g. kitchen, living rooms, garages, utility rooms and all bedrooms.
also includes all rooms and areas (including attics/lofts/other spaces)
Additionally a fire alarm control switch should be installed in conjunction with the LD1 FDAS to facilitate testing of the system.

16. Doors on Escape Routes
Should only be fitted with a lock or fastening which is readily operated, without a key, from the side approached by people making their escape.
All new Fire Doors should comply with Appendix B TGD B2017
Doors/frames/hardware in existing buildings may meet equivalent standard only if assessed a competent person
Secure doors operated by a code, combination, swipe or proximity card, biometric data or similar means, should also be capable of being overridden from the side approached

17. Compartmentation

18. Compartmentation

19. Appendices Appendix A: Risk Assessment Methodology
Appendix B: Fire Action Notice
Appendix C: Fire Safety Register
exit 4.5m

20. Appendix A -Risk Assessment
Methodology
Evaluation
Risk Matrix
Action Plan
Fire Safety Register
Systems maintenance

21. Appendix B- Fire Action Notice

22. Appendix C- Fire Safety Register

23. Conclusion Building Regulations – Legislative requirement Background
TGDB Volume
Management
Legal Responsibility
COP- New and Existing
Provisions
Risk Assessment/Fire Actions/Fire Safety Register

24. ENSURE YOUR HOME HAS A WORKING SMOKE ALARM
Thank you
ENSURE YOUR HOME HAS A WORKING SMOKE ALARM