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Fire And Explosion Engineering Services
The principles of Fire and Explosion Safety Engineering were introduced in UK with the standard DD240-1 “Fire Safety Engineering in Buildings. Guide to the application of fire safety engineering principles” of 1997. This standard has evolved over the years until its replacement by the first edition of BS 7974 in 2001. The latest version of BS 7974 is the 2019 edition, supported by the Published Documents PD 7974 series. According to BS 7974, the definition of fire engineering is “the application of scientific and engineering principles to the protection of people, property and the environment”. Efectis started implementing those fire engineering principles in the 90’s with the introduction of new numerical tools used in combination with experimental approaches undertaken within Efectis fire laboratories and already established analytical methods.
In a performance-based approach, Fire Safety Engineering is used to verify and justify that the fire safety measures, as identified within the fire strategy, are appropriate to achieve the required fire safety objectives set out by the relevant authorities, standards and guidelines.
Efectis covers all fire safety technical topics, such as fire and smoke spread, fire structural behaviour, compartmentation, smoke control and ventilation, fire suppression systems, external fire spread, evacuation, environmental protection from industrial sites, fire brigade access and facilities, wildfires etc.
Efectis is able to analyse the performance of products, systems or buildings within the legislative framework, and to carry out third-party reviews, based on our longstanding strengths which include, but not limited to:
- Accumulated knowledge and experience with dedicated in certain areas staff
- Coverage of regulations and standards across different regions
- Involvement in technical and scientific committees across the globe
- Fire testing experience from small- to large-scale configurations
- CFD and modelling experience
- Contribution in fire research through peer-reviewed works
- On-site inspections and technical assessments
- Fire investigations allowing feed back from real fires
Efectis is able to assist with strategic advice and review of applicable legislation by developing tailored fire safety solutions. Our work is based on a commitment to help clients and communities and provide them with a responsive approach to solve their fire safety challenges.
Buildings and infrastructure must be designed to provide an acceptable level of fire safety and minimize the risk in the event of a fire.
The main objective of fire safety design is the protection of life, including occupants’ safety and firefighters’ access. In addition, there are other objectives to consider, including but not limited to:
- Protection of property
- Environmental protection
- Continuity of operations
To achieve these objectives, Efectis can provide you with the skills and expertise throughout your project, from concept and design to construction and occupation. Our advice may include, but not limited to:
- Regulatory compliance
- The fire performance of materials
- Fire behaviour of structures
- Fire detection and suppression
- Smoke control according to the tenability conditions (toxicity, opacity, temperature and radiation)
- Evacuation, modelling of movement and means of escape
- Tailored fire safety design to enhance safety and ensure cost reduction
Fire strategy is a comprehensive method to achieve the fire safety objectives for an existing or a new building. It provides a clear and detailed roadmap for fire safety planning, implementation, and management by complying with relevant fire safety regulations and standards.
The development of a fire strategy may span from initial concept design to construction stage of a building or development. However, in many cases a retrospective fire strategy is required when changes are made to existing buildings or missing information are for older constructions. The earlier the process initiates, the more efficiently confusions and mistakes can be eliminated.
In UK for example, a fire strategy report is produced by following guidance in accordance with Approved Document B on fire safety. Depending on the complexity of the building and the fire safety objectives agreed, alternative approaches may be used such as BS 9999 or a fire engineered approach as per BS 7974.
Mandated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for all businesses, a FSR reviews all aspects of the building’s fire safety features. It is specifically tailored to a building, dealing with the Schedule B requirements of the Building Regulations in the UK, namely:
- B1: Means of warning and escape
- B2: Internal fire spread (linings)
- B3: Internal fire spread (structure)
- B4: External fire spread
- B5: Access and facilities for the fire service
A fire strategy report is not only a typical requirement for all businesses but also a crucial document for life safety in the built environment sector. By analysing potential fire spread and structure failure modes, it may also be used as valuable input for the implementation of assets and property protection as well as for business continuity in the event of a fire.
Fire strategies should be developed only by competent persons with comprehensive training and relevant experience. Efectis fire engineers have substantial experience in developing fire strategy reports or reviewing others as external 3rd parties in projects. and work to achieve clients’ objectives and requirements. Whether a new, a retrospective or just a 3rd party review fire strategy report is needed for your new or existing development, our team may provide suitable and tailored-fit solutions accordingly. It is therefore highly recommended to contact and engage with our fire engineering team at the earliest opportunity.