Technical Booklet E Fire Safety·Page 102·4.11
Variations of the provisions regarding fire resistance
Fire resistance requirements do not apply to certain structural elements including roof-only supports (with exceptions), ground storey elements in single storey or basement buildings (with exceptions), the lowest floor, and platform floors.
A provision for an element of structure to have fire resistance should not apply to – (a) any part of the structure which only supports a roof unless – (i) the roof performs the function of a floor, e.g. as a means of escape, for parking of vehicles, etc.; (ii) the structure is part of, or is essential for the stability of an external wall which, under the provisions of Section 4, cannot be an unprotected area; or (iii) the structure is part of or supports a compartment wall or a wall between a dwellinghouse and an attached or integral garage; (b) in the case of a single storey building or a building which consists of a ground storey and one or more basement storeys – any element of structure which forms part of the ground storey unless the element – (i) supports a gallery; or (ii) is located as defined in sub-paragraph 4.11 (a)(ii) or 4.11 (a)(iii); (c) the lowest floor of a building; and (d) a platform floor.
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