Fire Safety

Question 1

How can fire be modified by the enclosure?

Answer 1

• Fire Suppression Systems: The design and effectiveness of fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers, fire extinguishers) within the enclosure can directly impact fire growth and extinguishment. Well-designed systems can suppress or contain fires before they escalate.
• Compartmentation: Enclosures can be designed to compartmentalize fire and smoke, limiting their spread to adjacent spaces. Fire-resistant walls, doors, and floors can delay fire spread and provide occupants with safe evacuation routes.

Question 2

How can the structure be protected?

Answer 2

Steel frame, use intumescent paint. Coating applied and expands to protect the steel and give more time. Steel deflects when hot.

Question 3

What is the responsibility of duty holders, such as occupiers or management undertaking risk assessments?

Answer 3

• Identify hazards, electrical equipment and combustibles etc.
• Assess liklehood of fire starting
• Determine control measures
• Implememt measures - such as regular maintenance of electrical systems, heating equipment, and fire detection systems. Ensure compliance with building regulations and fire safety standards. Install and maintain appropriate fire detection and warning systems, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire alarms. Ensure that escape routes are clearly marked, unobstructed, and accessible to all occupants
• Provide information, instruction and training.
• Keep records and review assessment.

Question 3

What systems might be used to protect buildings and occupiers, e.g. detection and suppression?

Answer 3

• Detection
  o Smoke detectors – detect smoke and trigger an alarm
  o Heat detectors – Trigger an alarm when temperature increases
  o Fire alarm - Integrated systems that combine smoke detectors, heat detectors, and other sensors with alarm notification devices (such as horns, strobes, or voice evacuation systems) to alert occupants to the presence of fire.
• Suppression
  o Automatic sprinklers
  o Fire extinguishers
  o Compartmentation

Question 4

What are the component parts of the triangle of fire?

Answer 4

The triangle of fire consists of three component parts: fuel, heat, and oxygen. These elements are essential for combustion to occur. Fuel provides the material to burn, heat raises the temperature of the fuel to its ignition point, and oxygen supports the chemical reaction of combustion.

Question 5

Explain different types of evacuation strategy.

Answer 5

• Simultaneous evacuation - In simultaneous evacuation, all occupants evacuate the building immediately upon activation of the fire alarm or detection of an emergency. This strategy assumes that all escape routes and exits are accessible and can accommodate the entire building population simultaneously.
• Phased - Phased evacuation involves evacuating occupants in stages or phases, prioritizing those closest to the fire or at immediate risk. This strategy aims to prevent overcrowding at exits and optimize the use of available escape routes.
• Partial - In partial evacuation, only specific areas or floors of a building are evacuated while other areas remain operational or on standby. This strategy is typically used when the emergency is localized or when evacuation of the entire building is not necessary.
• Stay put - involves instructing occupants to remain within their current location or designated fire-resistant area until emergency responders provide further instructions or the immediate threat has passed.

Question 6

How can you make escape routes safe?

Answer 6

• Clear and unobstructed
• Adequate lighting and signage
• Fire rated doors and partitions
• Accessible for all occupants
• Use fire-resistant materials for construction and finishes along escape routes to delay the spread of fire and smoke.

Question 7

When and why would PEEP be required?

Answer 7

PEEPs are required in situations where individuals may face challenges evacuating independently during emergencies due to disabilities or other impairments. Implementing PEEPs ensures that all building occupants can evacuate safely and effectively, promoting inclusivity and compliance with legal obligations regarding accessibility and equal access to emergency procedures.

Question 8

What is a PEEP?

Answer 8

A PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) is a tailored plan designed for individuals who may require assistance during an emergency evacuation due to mobility impairments or other disabilities

Question 9

What updates were made to Part B and when were they made?

Answer 9

01 June 2022 Following a review and consultation, the government has introduced regulations to strengthen the ban on combustible materials used in and on the external walls of buildings.

Question 9

What are the requirements of Approved Document B?

Answer 9

• Fire resistance of elements
• Fire detection and alarms
• Means of escape
• External fire spread and cladding systems

Question 9

Explain your understanding of the Building Regulations in relation to fire safety.

Answer 9

Approved Document B is a part of the UK Building Regulations that provides guidance on fire safety in buildings. It outlines the minimum standards and requirements for the design, construction, and refurbishment of buildings to ensure adequate protection against fire hazards.

Question 10

What was deemed to be the cause of the Grenfell tower fire?

Answer 10

The external cladding, consisting of aluminium composite material (ACM) panels with a polyethylene core, was found to have contributed significantly to the rapid vertical spread of the fire. This type of cladding material did not meet fire safety standards and regulations, and it allowed the fire to quickly engulf the entire building.

Question 10

Explain your understanding of BS 9999.

Answer 10

BS 9999 applies to the design, construction, and management of buildings to achieve a level of fire safety that goes beyond the minimum requirements set out in Building Regulations. It is intended for use by architects, engineers, building owners, fire safety professionals, and regulatory authorities.

Question 11

Name 3 methods for the protection of structural steelwork from the effects of a fire.

Answer 11

• Intumescent coating - special paints that expand when exposed to high temperatures, forming a char layer that insulates the steel and slows down the rate at which the temperature of the steel rises.
• Fire resistant boards - are prefabricated panels that are attached to steel members to protect them from fire. These boards are typically made from materials like gypsum
• Concrete encapsulation.

Question 11

What is the difference between a fire strategy and a fire risk assessment?

Answer 11

a fire strategy provides a proactive plan for managing fire safety across an entire building or complex, while a fire risk assessment evaluates specific hazards and recommends measures to mitigate risks within defined areas or aspects of the building

Question 12

What materials are now banned over 18m for use in external facades?

Answer 12

Following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in 2017, which highlighted fire safety concerns in high-rise buildings, the UK government introduced restrictions on the use of combustible materials in external wall systems of buildings over 18 meters in height. As of January 2020, the ban includes the following materials:
* High-pressure laminate (HPL) panels with a phenolic resin core.
* Combustible insulation materials, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and phenolic foam.

Question 12

Who under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 has the responsibility for undertaking the fire risk assessment?

Answer 12

The responsible person

Question 13

Name the 2 pieces of legislation which cover the fire risk assessments?

Answer 13

The Health and Safety at Work Act section 2(3) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 article 9

Question 14

Who is the responsible person?

Answer 14

Employer: If the premises are a workplace, the employer is generally the responsible person.
Owner or Landlord: If the premises are not a workplace, the owner or landlord is usually responsible. This can include commercial properties
Person in Control: In cases where someone else has control of the premises, such as a facilities manager

Question 15

Explain your understanding of the Fire Safety Act 2021.

Answer 15

The Fire Safety Act 2021 is a piece of legislation enacted in the United Kingdom aimed at strengthening fire safety regulations and ensuring accountability for fire safety in buildings. The Act was introduced in response to concerns raised following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 and subsequent findings about fire safety deficiencies in high-rise buildings clad with combustible materials.
It applies to buildings that contain two or more residential units and are at least 18 meters in height or have at least seven storeys.
The Act places a legal duty on building owners and managers to manage and reduce the risk of fire in their buildings.
Building owners are required to assess and manage the risks associated with external wall systems (EWS) and cladding.
The Act establishes a new Building Safety Regulator within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to oversee and enforce fire safety regulations in higher-risk buildings

Question 16

How does it amend the 2005 Order?

Answer 16

The Fire Safety Act 2021 amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to clarify the responsibilities of building owners and managers in relation to fire safety.

Question 17

What are the stages of a fire?

Answer 17

Growth, flashover, full developed, decay.

Question 18

What is flashover?

Answer 18

It occurs when the contents of the room become so heated that all combustible materials simultaneously reach their ignition temperature and ignite almost simultaneously. This results in a rapid and intense increase in fire intensity and temperature throughout the space.

Question 18

Can you explain how the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 influences the design and management of non-domestic properties?

Answer 18

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is a key piece of legislation for non-domestic properties, placing the responsibility for fire safety on a designated ‘responsible person.’ This person must take all reasonable steps to reduce fire risks, implement necessary fire safety measures, and ensure that a comprehensive fire risk assessment is conducted, regularly reviewed, and acted upon. In terms of design and management, this legislation influences decisions related to fire escapes, material selection, and the integration of fire detection and suppression systems, ensuring that these elements comply with legal requirements to protect occupants and the building.

Question 19

Describe how you would approach ensuring that fire safety regulations, particularly Approved Document Part B, are incorporated into the design of a new building.

Answer 19

Ensuring compliance with Approved Document Part B begins with a thorough understanding of its requirements, which include means of escape, fire compartmentation, and provisions for fire detection and suppression. I would incorporate these requirements from the early design stages by collaborating closely with architects, engineers, and fire safety consultants. This collaborative approach ensures that fire safety is integral to the building’s design, rather than an afterthought. Regular consultations with local fire authorities would also be critical to preemptively address any compliance issues.

Question 20

Follow-up Question: Who is typically responsible for ensuring compliance with this regulation on a construction project?

Answer 20

On a construction project, the ‘responsible person’ could vary depending on the project phase. During the design phase, it might be the lead architect or designer, who ensures that the design incorporates all necessary fire safety measures. During construction, this responsibility often shifts to the project manager or site manager, who ensures that the construction work complies with the fire safety plan and regulatory requirements. Once the building is operational, the building owner or facilities manager usually takes on this role to manage ongoing fire safety responsibilities.

Question 20

Discuss the importance of a fire risk assessment in non-domestic properties. What key elements should be included in such an assessment?

Answer 20

A fire risk assessment is crucial in identifying potential fire hazards, assessing the risk they pose to building occupants, and determining whether current fire safety measures are adequate. Key elements of a fire risk assessment include identifying sources of ignition, evaluating the flammability of materials, assessing the adequacy of escape routes, and ensuring that fire detection and suppression systems are in place and functional. The assessment should also consider the needs of vulnerable occupants and include a clear plan for regular reviews and updates to account for any changes in the building or its use.

Question 21

Follow-up Question: What challenges might arise in adhering to these regulations, and how would you address them?

Answer 21

Challenges might include balancing fire safety requirements with aesthetic and functional design goals, especially in complex or innovative projects. For example, a desire for open-plan spaces might conflict with compartmentation needs. To address this, I would engage in collaborative problem-solving with the design team and fire safety experts, exploring alternative solutions such as fire-rated glazing or strategic use of fire doors that allow for both open spaces and compartmentation.

Question 22

What steps would you take to ensure that fire escapes are designed and maintained to comply with fire safety regulations?

Answer 22

In designing fire escapes, I would ensure they are clearly marked, well-lit, and easily accessible from all parts of the building. The escape routes must be unobstructed and lead directly to a safe area outside the building. During the design phase, I would ensure that the width and number of escape routes are adequate for the building’s occupancy, in accordance with Approved Document Part B. I would also ensure that emergency lighting and signage are installed as required. Throughout the building’s lifecycle, regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure that fire escapes remain compliant with regulations and are in good working order.

Question 23

How do you assess the flammability of materials and their impact on the overall fire safety of the building?

Answer 23

• Fire rating such as Class 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• Classified through the BS 476 part 6 fire propagation test and part 7 surface spread of flame test.
• Class 1 is the best and provides lowest flame spread.
• The euro class system, ranges from A1 (non combustible) to F (highly combustible). A1-A1 are most resistant, whilst D-F are less resistant.
• Reports from accredited bodies, such as ignition point, rate of flame and smoke output.
• Consider the use of the product, e.g components in a fire escape would need more fire resistant materials.

Question 24

Can you describe a project where you applied your knowledge of fire safety to address a specific challenge? What was the outcome?

Answer 24

Design and Planning:
Collaborating with architects and engineers, we developed a fire safety plan that integrated state-of-the-art systems into the refurbishment design. This included the installation of a modern fire alarm system with smoke detectors and sprinklers, ensuring compliance with local fire codes. We also planned for fire-resistant materials in critical areas, such as stairwells and corridors, and designed clear, illuminated fire exit paths.
Implementation:
During the refurbishment, we coordinated closely with contractors to ensure that fire safety installations were executed correctly and on schedule. This involved overseeing the installation of fire doors, emergency lighting, and suppression systems. We also ensured that fire safety considerations were seamlessly integrated into the aesthetic design, so the upgrades did not detract from the building’s appeal.