Services
Fire Consultancy
I work with clients, providing exceptional consulting services that are catered specifically to their needs. Take a look at the main services I offer and get in touch for a quote that matches your requirements.
Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment begins with a comprehensive survey of your property. Most clients require a 'Type 1' Fire Risk Assessment.
This will result in;
Completion of a PAS79 type fire risk assessment report
Consideration of the external factors and hazards around the proximity of the building
Consideration of all accessible compartmentation within the property and with adjoining properties
Inspection of a sample of any voids or service risers on all floors
A random sample inspection of entrance doors, above readily accessible false ceilings, loft and roof spaces, etc
Comprehensive assessment report to include the significant findings and actions required
Fire Strategy
A Fire Strategy will clearly detail the nature and number of fire safety facilities that are to be included within the building, along with the required standards and specifications. The method of operation of any system, whether active or passive, will also be clearly stated within the strategy.
Whilst most buildings differ in size and complexity the individual types of buildings will fall into certain types or categories. The categories will vary but generally include; industrial type buildings, (which may lead to high bay storage and unusual fire loads or process risks); healthcare or hospital establishments, (with risks associated with human incapacitation and the implications associated with horizontal escape); or office shop, public or commercial premises, (which may lead to risks associated with higher volumes of people coupled with building unfamiliarity). The list is not exhaustive but provides a general view on the risks associated with more common day-to-day buildings. It is also worth noting that in reality, lots of buildings will incorporate different categories of risk: e.g. office area included within storage or healthcare premises.
A fire strategy may be required (by the Building Control Body) if a client is submitting a building regulations application (for example for an extension of the property or other significant material change) where the proposed design deviates substantially from the worked examples and prose description within the Approved Documents. A fire strategy will support the application by describing the fire safety features that may not match the examples within the Approved Documents but they collectively meet the standards within the Approved Documents, thereby easing the approval of the application for the client.
Building Regulations
There may be a need to either expand or extend your property. In such cases, if there are physical or material changes which affect the means of escape then a building regulations application will be necessary.
Where the design is bespoke or unusual then it's unlikely that the Approved Documents would provide worked examples, as these documents commonly advise of 'minimum standards' which protect life. In unusual or complex cases you will likely need professional assistance.
We will help you to develop a plan for approval by the Building Control Body. Often the design will be supported by a detailed fire strategy which will explain the rationale and operation of the fire safety measures, whilst meeting the standards set out within the Approved Document B (Fire Safety).
In complex cases the fire strategy may include the use of fire sprinklers or fire suppression systems, these may result in the reduced passive measures such as fire doors and compartment walls, thereby saving money and achieving a design objective, such as open planning.