Heat Detector?

I am to install some fire detection in a cafe. It will be a domestic type system to Grade D1. It is a two story detached rectangular building, 9m x 5.6m, with an open staircase to the first floor. The kitchen takes up approximately half of the ground floor space. As the whole building is affectively the escape route, smoke detectors are required on both floors. Is it worth installing a heat detector in the kitchen area? Would it provide earlier detection of a fire than the smoke detector? Normally a smoke detector would be placed centrally in the space, this would put it at the divide between the kitchen and seating areas(there is no significant dividing wall). I am a bit concerned about false alarms due to smoke from cooking and humidity. Is it worth placing the smoke detector further away from the kitchen area with a heat detector in the kitchen area?

Parents
  • Yes, I am a little surprised too. But it's such a small building anyone shouting fire would be heard by occupants. It previously had no fire detection at all when it operated as a cafe by previous owners. Nevertheless, the fire brigade are satisfied that a D1 system will suffice. It is just a question of heat detector and siting of the smoke detector that is in the same space as the kitchen.

  • If the Fire Service are the paid Consultant for the design, then I cannot see any problem, however, if it is one person who has visited and said, verbally, yes, that'll be OK, then I would certainly be getting another, paid for, opinion, as you are now the designer of the system, and you really do not want to be the designer unless you have adequate insurance cover, and the relevant qualifications to design it.

    I'm not having a go at you, but, if you asking whether a heat or smoke detector should be fitted in a kitchen, then you are not showing any competency in the design part of the work. After Grenfell, fire safety is being taken far more seriously, please check that your insurance covers you for the design and fitment of the system, and that it complies with local authority and national requirements.

Reply
  • If the Fire Service are the paid Consultant for the design, then I cannot see any problem, however, if it is one person who has visited and said, verbally, yes, that'll be OK, then I would certainly be getting another, paid for, opinion, as you are now the designer of the system, and you really do not want to be the designer unless you have adequate insurance cover, and the relevant qualifications to design it.

    I'm not having a go at you, but, if you asking whether a heat or smoke detector should be fitted in a kitchen, then you are not showing any competency in the design part of the work. After Grenfell, fire safety is being taken far more seriously, please check that your insurance covers you for the design and fitment of the system, and that it complies with local authority and national requirements.

Children