Charlottewalker21 Posted July 19, 2014 Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 I have a block of flats, 5 floors converted from a Victorian house in 1986. There is an ancient fire escape that is now unsafe. There is a half hour fire protected internal stairway, mains smoke alarms and emergency lighting. I have been quoted £25000 to replace the fire escape which serves only 4 flats. Can I do without it, or put in other provision such as fire alarms or sprinklers which would work out far less expensive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grampa Posted July 19, 2014 Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 For something so important as this I don't think it is advisable to make a decision based on a public forum.You need professional independent advice from someone who is qualified in this field. If you do the wrong thing here and someone gets killed in a fire you will very likely get a prison sentence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melboy Posted July 19, 2014 Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 Yes, professional advice required here. I would say though that you will probably find that you are under an obligation to provide an independant means of escape from high rise buildings via the external fire escape so you might have no other option and bearing in mind there is already a fire escape fitted you may have to replace like for like under the many Health & Safety rules that exist now in local Council departments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted July 19, 2014 Report Share Posted July 19, 2014 Concur with above comments. You could consult your local authority Building Regs department. But I would get more than one opinion if you can, because for H&S reasons most experts are likely to say that you should replace. Try to find out what regs and legislation your responding experts are using, so that you can verify for yourself on gov. internet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mortitia Posted July 23, 2014 Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 Another option is to ask the fire brigade to call and give an opinion. For some reason fire escape staircases are very expensive when compared to materials used so shop around before buying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted July 23, 2014 Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 It's probably better to check regulations first. Fire Brigade recommendations may exceed legislation, and once given client may have obligation to comply. £25K does seem expensive (but I have no idea) - suggest get several quotes but ensure compliance with any building standards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted July 23, 2014 Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 I don't think £25K is overly expensive. * To be replaced in steel * X5 floors....so very high * Almost certain to require scaffolding * Needs survey & drawings for the manufacturers * Will need fabricating off site * Delivery * Probably needs a crane & on site assembly * A week to install with a few guys doing the install. * Safety certificate * etc etc Think about the amount of work required...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottewalker21 Posted August 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2014 Thanks to you all. The council building regs guy has visited the site and is going to return with the fire department representative. He was quite optimistic about finding a creative solution for me. In the meantime I am resolved to spend whatever is needed to secure the safety of my tenants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted August 6, 2014 Report Share Posted August 6, 2014 Sounds good! Do let us know in due course what solution is and its cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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