FIRE CERT & DAC
APPLICATIONS
Fire Safety Certificate Application
A fire safety certificate is a document that certifies that a building or a proposed building complies with the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations. A fire safety certificate is required for most types of new buildings, extensions, alterations and changes of use except for some exempted categories such as one off dwellings, single-storey agricultural buildings and domestic garages .
We can prepare the project fire safety report to demonstrates how the building or the proposed building meets the fire safety objectives and standards of the Building Regulations, specifically Part B. The fire safety report includes drawings, specifications and calculations; confirms the fire safety measures and systems to be provided as well as the fire safety objectives and performance criteria and other relevant information in sufficent detail to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations to the local authority.
If your building has already commenced or been completed without a fire safety certificate, we can apply for a regularisation certificate to demonstrate compliance with the current Building Regulations. We would highlight that this may require physical changes to the existing fire safety systems and even to the building fabric and landscaping. For buildings built several years ago when building regulations were to a lower standard this can result in complex and expensive remedial works.
Disability Access Certificate Application
A Disability Access Certificate (DAC) is a certificate granted by a Building Control Authority which certifies compliance of the design of certain works with the requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations. Part M relates to access and use of buildings by people with disabilities. A DAC is required for most classes of buildings, such as places of assembly, hotels, shops, offices, etc but not dwellings other than a flats.
An application for a DAC is made to the local Building Control Authority in the county or city where the project is located. We can prepare the application – the detailed drawings and report – which methodically demonstrates how the design, both the building and the site complies with current Technical Guidance Document M (Disability Access).
A DAC may be applied for after submitting a commencement notice, but in no case can a building be opened, operated, or occupied or permitted to do so unless a DAC has been granted or pending determination of an appeals process. To avoid potentially expensive remedial work, we strongly advise that the application for a DAC be made at the same time as a Fire Cert, therefore ensuring that the DAC and any conditions effecting the design as originally conceived are understood prior to commencement of works.
