Services
Fire Strategies
Our fire strategy goes beyond a simple safety plan or evacuation procedure, serving as a crucial element in demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations.
Key aspects covered in our comprehensive fire strategy include:
-
Means of fire detection
-
Warning and escape procedures
-
Internal fire spread (linings and structure)
-
External fire spread
-
Accessibility and facilities for the fire service
Crafted in collaboration with architectural plans, our fire strategy is an indispensable part of your building control submission during the design stage. It meticulously outlines occupancy levels, both horizontally and vertically, and compartmentation levels.
But here's the twist – our fire strategy isn't just for new constructions. We specialize in 'retrospective fire strategies' for existing buildings, ensuring that safety is never an afterthought.
Importantly, our fire strategy isn't just a box to tick; it sets the stage for a thorough fire risk assessment. Your safety is our priority, and we ensure that every assessment aligns seamlessly with the details outlined in your personalized fire strategy.
Fire statements
Our Fire statements cover vital aspects like fire detection, escape procedures, and more, it's crafted alongside architectural plans for a seamless fit in building control submissions.
This isn't exclusive to new constructions; we specialize in 'retrospective fire strategies' for existing buildings, ensuring continuous safety.
But our work doesn't stop at paperwork – our fire strategy sets the stage for a thorough fire risk assessment, aligning seamlessly with your safety plan
Dispute resolution with enforcing authorities
Leveraging our substantial expertise in fire and building safety, we are adept at offering guidance and assistance to landlords and management companies in addressing Enforcement, Prohibition, or Improvement Notices issued by Fire or Local Authorities.
In accordance with the new building safety framework, non-compliance with a notice issued by the fire and rescue authority may result in prosecution. The responsible person can also face legal action if they neglect their duties under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), as amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021. Therefore, seeking advice is crucial when uncertainties arise regarding the responsibilities of the responsible person and compliance requirements under the FSO and the FSA.
Our services encompass advice on the validity of notices, appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (FTT), and strategic negotiations with local authorities. We aim for successful outcomes, whether that involves the withdrawal of notices by local authorities, effective mediation for agreed-upon works, or ensuring realistic timescales for implementation.
compartmentation surveys
If your premises have undergone a Fire Risk Assessment, you might find a recommendation for a Fire Compartmentation Survey in your "Fire Action Plan." This survey becomes necessary when the Fire Risk Assessor identifies multiple breaches in fire compartment walls, ceilings, and floors, suggesting potential compromise in a fire situation.
The survey is an intricate process, involving investigative work in roof spaces, ceiling and floor voids, and service areas. Its goal is to evaluate whether existing fire compartment elements can effectively restrict the spread of fire and smoke, allowing for sufficient escape time.
The Fire Compartmentation Survey typically covers:
1. Overall condition assessment of existing fire compartments.
2. Evaluation of the sealing effectiveness at wall/soffit interfaces.
3. Inspection of fire seals on service penetrations through compartment lines.
4. Assessment of materials used for sealing service penetrations, ensuring appropriate fire-rated materials and proper installation.
5. Reporting any damage to fire compartment lines that might reduce effectiveness.
6. Identification of unprotected structural steelwork impacting the building's expected fire performance.
7. Reporting on fire damper omissions within ducts passing through fire compartments.
8. Evaluation of materials and methods used in constructing dry lined walls forming part of fire compartmentation.
Following the survey, a detailed report is prepared, including photographs and floor layout drawings displaying the main fire compartmentation lines. Crucially, the report outlines recommended remedial actions to enhance fire resistance and prevent potential fire and smoke spread.
CFD Analysis
Utilizing cutting-edge software and technology, we generate a detailed replica model of your project. This model allows us to visually and numerically chart the propagation of flames, heat, and smoke. We leverage this data to craft the most effective fire strategy for your building, aligning with pertinent statutory requirements and other fire safety objectives.
While CFD fire modelling holds significant potential, its efficacy hinges on proper application. At Protek Fire, our team of experts in CFD fire modelling draws upon years of extensive experience. They adeptly harness CFD fire modelling to predict potential fire behaviour and development with precision and competence.
Fire Risk assessment
The law mandates that any premises used for commercial purposes or any shared spaces within residential buildings must undergo a fire risk assessment for business operations. Subsequently, it is essential to establish and uphold a comprehensive fire management plan.
This legal requirement extends to various establishments, including but not limited to shops, offices, restaurants, hotels, nurseries, care homes, churches, and community centers.
