Question:
I'm about to fit an inter-connected fire alarm system in my house this is for childminding, which is under different or more stringent rules to a normal house. the fire safety officer said (on the phone) it must comply with BS 5839 Part 6, I've searched for info on this but can only find references such as "our systems comply with..." no actual links to the info I need also, he said there may be a problem with our stair case from 1st to ground floor as it doesn't lead directly to an external door, ours leads to the living room via a door at the bottom of the staircase, see www.tonyrefail.net/gfx/groundfloor2.gif we do have tilt / turn escape windows in the bathroom which is a 3.5m drop to a concrete yard and in the master bedroom but thats a 5.5m drop to patio see www.tonyrefail.net/gfx/firstfloor.gif can anyone point me to some detailed info on bs5839 part6 or offer some advice ?

Answer: Stating BS 5839: Pt 6, without giving an indication of the level of protection required is a bit pointless. BS 5839: Pt 6 gives recommendations as to how to achieve various levels of protection, but these can be achieved with systems ranging from battery-only detectors to full life & property protection. Most two storey houses could be adequately protected with a number of mains-wired interlinked smoke detectors (ca. Ј20 each + installation). Provided that children are cared for on the ground floor only (i.e., no sleeping on the first floor), then I can't see that the un-protected stair should be a problem. Is this something you could accommodate? Looking at your g/f plan, I suspect that the original hall continued through what is now a cupboard.