8
Alternative arrangements
Key
fd FD20 Fire door
30 minute fire resisting construction
If you already have an open plan staircase it will need to be enclosed.
Alternatively, it may be possible to provide sprinkler protection to the open-plan area, in conjunction
with a fire resisting partition and door, separating the ground floor from the upper storeys. This door
should be so arranged to allow occupants of the loft room to access an escape window at first floor
level in the event of a fire in the open plan area.
Any cooking facilities should be separated from the open-plan area with fire-resisting construction.
Staircase design
The new staircase may be located either as a continuation of the existing stairway, or in an enclosure
that is separated from the existing rooms. It must open into the existing stairway at first floor level in
order to form a protected route.
In a loft conversion a pull down ladder is not acceptable. An alternating tread stair or a fixed ladder
may form an acceptable approach in certain circumstances.
Guidelines for the new staircase are covered by Part K and are covered later in this document
.
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