The Polish Chamber of Construction Engineers after a fire in Ząbki calls for the attic review
The Polish Chamber of Construction Engineers after a fire of a multi -family building in Ząbki calls for an urgent attics review in Poland in terms of compliance with fire protection regulations. It was recalled that they should be regularly controlled by real estate managers.
The Chamber pointed out that special attention during such inspections requires spaces that could be arbitrarily adapted or are used contrary to intended use, e.g. for storing flammable materials.
“Building attics without the use of appropriate security is conducive to such tragedies that took place in the building in Ząbki” – it was assessed.
PIIB also drew attention to the need to seal the enforcement of existing regulations. In the opinion of the Chamber, the duties of designers, appraisers for fire protection, construction managers as well as building owners and managers are of key importance. It was explained that the current regulations impose the obligation to provide security, maintenance and control. Audits should take place every year, and in special cases twice a year. “They affect the safe use of the building” – it was emphasized.
Engineers add that The attic review should be regularly made by real estate managers, because attics are often landfills of objects that can be a breeding ground for fire.
“The problem is unfortunately with execution, because tenants often disregard the recommendations, and the ordered attic is again overwhelmed by unnecessary objects” – it was noted.
In their opinion Extracts of the State Fire Service bring better effect, but they are not common. “If attic inspections were to be systemic (and many buildings were built decades ago), they would result in the need to adapt to current fire requirements,” the Chamber pointed out. At the same time, it was noted that this would mean expenses for building managers.
The Chamber emphasized that in the current legal realities there are tools “which – if they were used and enforced – can prevent similar tragedies in the future”. “So it's not about exacerbating the rules, but about their real use and control,” it was indicated. According to Piib, the problem is insufficient supervision and the lack of an effective response system to deficiencies.
The Polish Chamber of Construction Engineers also noted that The attic allows air access from outside. This makes the fire smolder and spread for a long time, often unnoticed. “Lite wooden beams subjected to flames burn at a speed of about 1 mm/min. Of course, the wood should be protected anti -German, carefully hebulated (this can be seen on historical trusses, because numerous imperfections are conducive to occupying the element with fire” – explained.
Added that attic or attic should be separated by doors in the fire resistance classwhich means that they can withstand at least 30 minutes of fire while maintaining tightness and insulation. Roofing should also not contribute to the spread of flames and increasing the intensity of the fire – this is mostly new and modernized objects. “If these conditions have not been met, the building should never be allowed to use,” it was emphasized in the position of the Chamber.
Engineers pointed out that the designer's duty is to design a building to ensure the safety of people, facility and equipment or inventory, and to agree the project with the fire expert. “The construction manager is obliged to perform the object in accordance with the guidelines of the fire protection. Each change in this respect must be agreed with the fire protection appraiser. It is often a significant deviation” – noted. It has also been added that without the consent of the supervision and control of the State Fire Service, the building cannot be allowed to use.
The Chamber reminded that the resistance of fire partitions is specified in the regulations. For a minimum of 1 hour, the partition should not burn itself, do not pass the fire or temperature. “The issue of partitions is very important, because then closed spaces are created, +city +, which do not allow the fire to spread. However, we see an attempt to bypass the regulations by investors, which due to the desire to save can have fatal results” – emphasized in the position.
On Thursday after 19 o'clock the attic lit up in one of the buildings at the estate at Powstańców Street in Ząbki. The fire covered three neighboring buildings. Firefighters who searched all rooms found no victims. As the head of the State Fire Service died on Friday. Wojciech Kruczek, three people who were outside the object, suffered “very light injuries” and no one was hospitalized. Three rescuers were injured, including two officers of the State Fire Service.
According to information provided by the Mazovian voivode, Mariusz Frankowski shows that more than five hundred people lived in 211 apartments. It is checked how many people will need emergency help, and how many temporary.
Frankowski informed about possible material support for the victims. He said that the standard ad hoc help for victims in the fire is 8,000. PLN, depending on the damage to the apartment, it will be possible to launch further money. Government spokesman Adam Szłapka announced on Friday that the prime minister decided to transfer special funds in connection with the fire in Ząbki.
On Friday, the Warsaw-Praga District Prosecutor's Office announced the initiation of an investigation in connection with the fire. (PAP)
JLS/ Mick/
