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University of Central Lancashire

School of Engineering

FV3201 Individual Assignment Brief

Assignment Details

This assignment is based around the guidance of Volume 2 of Approved Document B

(ADB), BS9999, BS7974 and the relevant Published Documents that support BS7974. You
must utilise these documents to answer the questions set.

Please ensure that you answer all questions set, including any sub questions. The marks
for each element are provided.

Important notes:
 You are responsible for ensuring that you utilise the correct, most up to date
versions of any guidance documents/standards (as of the 1 st October 2019).

 When utilising guidance documents/standards you must appropriately reference all

clauses, tables etc. utilised and show all calculations/working out performed.

 Where word counts for questions are stated you must not exceed these limits.

 It is recommended to use figures to help with answering essay questions (these do

not count towards word count).

Failure to follow the above instructions will lead to marks being

deducted for that question/element. This could therefore significantly
affect your final mark.

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Q1 (Total 25 marks).
A company is planning to build a four storey office building. The ceiling height will be 4m
and the premises will be provided with a comprehensive fire alarm and fire detection
system (Category L3).

Q1(a).
What are the maximum travel distances recommended for a single direction of escape and
more than one direction of escape in the following documents:

 ADB. (2 marks)
 BS9999. (4 marks)

Q1(b).
According to ADB and BS9999, how many people could be accommodated by:

 An 800mm wide exit. (2 marks)

 A 1500mm wide exit. (2 marks)

Q1(c).
In 400 words or less, briefly discuss the differences between the results obtained from
the two different documents. You should discuss how the approaches adopted by the two
documents impact on travel distances and exit width in general for this type of premises.
You should also state which approach you would recommend following to the company
explaining your reasons for your choice.

(15 marks)

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Q2 (Total 15marks).
The standard guidance of ADB recommends that the final exit from a stair should be at
least as wide as the stair it serves.

A new assembly and recreation building has been constructed and there is an issue where
the installed final exit from one stair is narrower than the stair it serves.

It is well established that the rate at which people flow down a stair is less than the rate of
flow on a level passageway of the same width. Some international codes allow exit doors
to have a lesser width than the stair (e.g. The NFPA Life Safety Code).

In theory, this should allow for the guidance of ADB to be varied provided that it can be
demonstrated that an adequate flow rate can be maintained through a door with a
narrower clear width than the stair width.

Q2(a).
Using the following information determine the maximum flow rate through the narrow final
exit and compare it with the maximum flow rate down the stair. Is the restriction in final exit
acceptable?

 The calculations should be based around data from Nelson and Mowrer (See
Annex D of PD 7974 Part 6).
 Stair width = 1500mm.
 Final exit width = 1400mm.
 Stair tread dimension = 280mm.
 Stair riser dimension = 175mm.
 Population density will be less than 0.54 persons/m 2.

(12 marks)

Q2(b).
What would be the minimum width of final exit that would not impact on the maximum flow
rate down the stair.

(3 marks)

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Q3 (Total 25 marks)

Q3(a).
In less than 150 words briefly explain what is meant by ASET and RSET and how does
this approach vary from the approach in the prescriptive guidance of Approved Document
B.

(5 marks)

Q3(b).
RSET comprises a number of different elements. Briefly discuss each of the following four
elements and explain how they can be determined.

I. Detection time. (5 marks)

II. Alarm time. (5 marks)
III. Pre-movement time. (5 marks)
IV. Travel time. (5 marks)

Answers on each element (i. to iv.) should be less than 150 words.

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Q4 (Total 10 marks)
Using the information provided below, answer the questions on RSET. All calculations
should be provided with an explanation/justification for selection of parameters where
appropriate.

 The building is a single storey open plan warehouse (with a simple layout) used to
store building materials (which may include combustible materials).

 The building has a comprehensive automatic fire detection and fire alarm system
such that in the event of a fire it would be expected to be detected within 45
seconds.

 A single stage alarm is utilised with no investigation period.

 Fire safety in the premises is well managed and only trained staff are allowed
onsite.

 The occupant density is very low with less than 20 members of staff within the
premises at any one time.

 There are no disabled members of staff.

 In the event of a fire, the maximum travel distance that someone could have to
travel (taking into account the discounting of an exit) is 120m.

Q4(a).
What is the RSET for the warehouse?

(5 marks)

Q4(b).
The owner of the warehouse has decided to add a small mezzanine floor to one side of the
premises accessed by an open stair. The travel distance from the furthest point on the
mezzanine to the top of the open stair is 20m. Travel down the stair is 10m. Travel from
the base of the stair to the final exit (taking into account the discounting of an exit) is
110m.

What is the RSET from the mezzanine?

(3 marks)

Q4(c).

If the premises is provided with a smoke ventilation system such that conditions at ground
floor level could be maintained tenable indefinitely, what is the RSET from the Mezzanine?

(2 marks)

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Q5 (Total 25 marks).
Each part (a to e) should be answered in less than 150 words.

Q5(a).
Explain the term tenability limit.

(5 marks)

Q5(b).
Explain tenability based upon zero exposure? What are the recommended criteria and why
are they set at the values they are? Discuss the use of this method.

(5 marks)

Q5(c).
In cases where occupants could be expected to evacuate through smoke, one tenability
limit is visibility. What are the recommended tenability limits for visibility? Why does it vary
between small and large enclosures? Discuss the use of visibility as a tenability limit.

(5 marks)

Q5(d).
In cases where occupants could be expected to evacuate through smoke another
tenability limit is temperature. Discuss why the tenability limit for temperature in this case is
often taken as 60°C.

(5 marks)

Q5(e).
Discuss safety factors and margin of safety that need to be taken into account when
performing an ASET RSET analysis.

(5 marks)

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Remember:

 You must answer the question set.

 You must keep to the word limits set for each part.
 You must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes.
 As you construct and present your work, consider the assessment criteria.

Presentation Instructions

It is your responsibility to ensure that your work is neatly and accurately presented.

The work must be:

 Word-processed.
 Single sided.
 1.5 or double line spaced.
 Ariel 12 point font.
 Justified.
 Page numbered.
 On A4 paper.
 Margins left and right 3cm.
 Attached to a cover sheet.

Marks may be deducted for failure to follow these instructions. Please look at the Student
Guide to Assessment for more information.

Referencing

All academic writing must be referenced. If you use other people’s ideas without
referencing them you are plagiarising their work.

Either:

Use the Harvard system of referencing within your text. This will take the form: surname,
year of publication, page number, and is enclosed within brackets, for example (Bradley
1998, 277). At the end of your essay you should provide an alphabetical list of all the
works you cite.

Or:

Use the Numeric System of referencing within your text. At every point in the text where a
reference is made, insert a number (in brackets or superscript) and then list the references
numerically at the end of your work.

Plagiarism

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The use of work produced for another purpose by you, working alone or with others, must
be acknowledged.

Copying from the works of another person (including Internet sources) constitutes
plagiarism, which is an offence within the University’s regulations. Brief quotations from the
published or unpublished works of another person, suitably attributed, are acceptable. You
must always use your own words except when using properly referenced quotations.

You are advised when taking notes from books or other sources to make notes in your
own words, in a selective and critical way.

Submission

Your work must be submitted with a front cover sheet (detailing the module code and title,
essay title, student name and reference number, word count, date submitted).

The assignment should be submitted electronically before 4.00pm on the given date via
Turnitin (a guide to submitting work via Turnitin can be found on Blackboard).

The deadline for submission is Sunday 12th January 2020.

Every attempt will be made to ensure that the work will be marked and available for
collection by Monday 3rd February 2020.

The individual work is worth 50% of the total module assessment.

Learning outcomes
This assessment will test your ability to meet the learning outcomes as described in your
module booklet, specifically:

1. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving

2. Exhibit creativity and innovation in technical design
3. Critically review and analyse client and user requirements, technical briefs and apply
significant knowledge to design scenarios, including relevant technological,
engineering, legal, health and safety and development factors

Assessment Criteria

For more information please see the marking guide at Appendix 1.

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Appendix 1
Marking Scheme

Academic Level 6

Classification Grade Relevance Knowledge Analysis Argument Originality Presentation

& Structure
20% 20% 15% 20% 15% 10%
Outstanding 70 – Directly Makes A Coherent and Distinctive A very well
100% relevant to effective use of comprehensive logically work written answer
title. Able to a analysis of the structured, showing with standard
address the comprehensive material making independent spelling and
implications, range of theory resulting in creative use thought and syntax.
assumptions and practice clear and of an critical
and nuances knowledge. illuminating appropriate engagement Style is lucid
of the title. conclusions. mode of with and resourceful
Demonstrates argument alternative with an
Relevance to ability in the and/or views. appropriate
practice is manipulation theoretical bibliographical
thoroughly and transfer of model. apparatus.
and explicitly subject
addressed. material to
demonstrate a
solid
understanding
of the issues in
both theory
and practice.
Above average 60- Directly Makes Good analysis Generally Contains Well written
69% relevant to effective use of of the material coherent and some with standard
title. good theory resulting in logically distinctive or spelling and
and practice clear and constructed. independent syntax.
knowledge. logical thinking.
Is able to conclusions. Style is lucid
demonstrate Manipulates Uses an Beginning to utilising an
effective and transfers appropriate formulate an appropriate
practice some material mode of independent format and
relevance. to demonstrate argument or position bibliographical
a clear grasp theoretical apparatus.
of the themes, model.
questions and
issues in
theory and
practice.
Average 50- Generally Adequate Adequate Adequate Sound work Competently
59% addresses the knowledge of a analytical attempt to which written with
title, fair range of treatment, with construct a expresses a only minor
sometimes relevant occasional coherent personal lapses from
addresses theoretical and descriptive or argument, position, standard
irrelevant practice related narrative but may often in spelling and
issues. material with passages suffer loss of broad terms syntax.
evidence of an which lack focus and and tends
Relevance to appreciation of clear analytical consistency. towards Style is
practice its significance. purpose. uncritical readable with
effectively Issues at conformity to acceptable
addressed, Conclusions stake may one or more format and
may be are clear. lack clarity or standard bibliographical
implicit in theoretical views of the status.
places. models topic.
couched in
simplistic
terms.
Below Average 41- Some degree Adequate Evidence of Some Largely Generally
49% of irrelevance knowledge of a analytical attempt to competent
derivative.
to the title. limited range of ability. construct an writing
relevant argument is although
Superficial theoretical and Intermittent evident but it Attempts to intermittent
practice related passages of lacks present a lapses from

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consideration material with descriptive or sufficient personal standard

intermittent narrative clarity and view, but syntax and
of the issues.
evidence of an material which coherence. only in broad spelling and
appreciation of lack clear terms. pose
Relevance to its significance. analytical Issues at occasional
practice tends purpose. stake are Is largely obstacles for
towards only vaguely uncritical the reader.
superficiality Conclusions stated. and
and is largely are not always conforms to Format and
implicit. clear and one or more bibliography is
logical. standard generally error
views. free and
acceptable.
Bare Pass 40% Some degree Basic Largely A basic Largely Style of
of irrelevance understanding descriptive or argument is derivative. presentation
to the title is of a limited narrative in evident but makes reading
common. range of style with tends to be No personal difficult.
relevant limited supported by view is
Only the most theoretical and evidence of assertion and adequately Deficiencies in
obvious practice related analytical lacks proper formulated spelling,
issues are material. capability. development. syntax, format
addressed at Wholly or
a superficial Conclusions Coherence uncritical bibliographical
level and in are not always and clarity and apparatus
unchallenging clear or logical are evident conforming impact
terms. only to one or significantly
. intermittently more upon clarity.
Relevance to standard
practice is views.
superficially
addressed
and rarely
made explicit
Fail 0-39% Relevance to A limited Heavy Little Almost Poorly written
the title is understanding dependence evidence of wholly with numerous
intermittent or of a narrow on description coherent derivative. deficiencies in
missing. range of and/or argument. syntax,
relevant narrative. The writer’s spelling,
The topic is theoretical and There is a contribution expression and
reduced to its practice related Paraphrase is lack of rarely goes presentation.
vaguest and material or a common. development beyond
least lack of basic and the work simplifying The writer may
challenging knowledge in Evidence of may be paraphrase. achieve clarity
terms. either or both analysis is repetitive (if at all) only
theory and lacking. and/or thin. No evidence by using
Relevance to practice of personal simplistic or
practice is necessary for Clear and thought. repetitious
barely an logical style.
considered or understanding conclusions
not at all. of the topic are sparse

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