Fire Safety and Fire Fighting in Sustainable Construction

IFE Conference, Russell Hotel, London

22nd July 2010

Sustainable Buildings

Structures created using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle, This includes

•Siting,

•Design,

•Construction,

•Operation,

•Maintenance & Repairs and

•Renovation & Alterations

Managing Fire Safety and Firefighting in Sustainable Buildings

Managing Fire Safety in Buildings

• Close liaison with building designers and developers at an early stage.

• Ensuring that proper consideration is given to the impact the proposed construction will have on surrounding buildings.

• Working to ensure Fire Service access issues are understood.

Firefighting Considerations

Managing Fire Safety in Buildings

• Close liaison with building designers and developers at an early stage.

• Promoting the use and benefits of Sprinklers and other fire protection features to safeguard building and occupants.

• Good working relationships with planning departments and statutory bodies.

Underpinning Knowledge

• Understanding the performance characteristics of modern construction materials.

• Working closely with product manufacturers and industry bodies.

• Working with standards bodies and specifiers to ensure fire service perspective is understood.

Managing Fires In These Buildings

• Understanding the performance characteristics of modern construction materials.

• Recognising that these buildings may perform in differing ways from traditional buildings in a fire.

• Adapting operating procedures and decision making accordingly.

Managing Fire Safety in Buildings

• Controlled by HSE

• Still subject to a Fire Risk Assessment.

• Site safety and housekeeping paramount.

• Regard for neighbouring exposures and persons.

• Quality building control and signoff essential.

Firefighting Considerations

Ongoing Fire Safety Implications

• Working with HSE, UKTFA and ACAI to identify better management of site safety and security

• Identification and registration of every TF construction site in London.

• Multi agency Operational pre plans developed for all sites including evacuation of neighbouring residents.

Occupancy

• Whether commercial or residential, peoples safety is paramount.

• Good fire safety management systems ensure occupants safety.

• There are legal responsibilities for owners and managers to occupants.

Firefighting Considerations

Unprotected voids

Lack of cavity protection

Common Defects

Compartmentation and

fire stopping

Specifications and Approvals

• Ensuring the original design specifications are not compromised.

• All materials specified are fit for purpose used and meet specifications.

• Records kept of all planning and design changes.

• Quality Control and building control approvals received.

Specifications and Approvals

Thank you Any Questions