The fire safety requirements in the tender documents, issued by the Housing Agency, for the supply and delivery of temporary modular homes (in order to establish a framework) are in compliance with the Technical Guidance Document B – Fire Safety of Part B of the Building Regulations for such buildings. In addition local authorities will also be liaising with the respective Fire Authority on individual homeless hub projects to ensure adequate provision has been made for Fire Safety.
The technical specifications set out in the tender documents for the supply and delivery of temporary modular homes do not require the use of non-combustible insulation. However, in relation to the fabric of these homes, the technical specification sets out explicit requirements for the levels of resistance to the spread of fire and to the spread of flames over surfaces, and for measures to inhibit the unseen spread of fire and smoke within the fabric or structure. This is in accordance with the Building Regulations and best practice codes and standards for buildings of this scale.
The technical specification set out in the tender documents for the supply and delivery of temporary modular homes also requires an advanced self-contained fire detection and alarm system, which typically includes interconnected smoke or heat alarms in circulation areas, kitchens/living rooms and bedrooms. In addition, the technical specification requires that all habitable areas in these single storey units have a means of escape, either through an emergency door or emergency escape windows giving direct access to the open air, which shall not require the use of a key or tool.
