Tag: fire safety

Architecture & Building

Designing and Constructing Fireproof Buildings in the UK

8th August 20230

In recent years, the importance of constructing fireproof buildings has become increasingly evident, especially in the United Kingdom where building safety has gained significant attention. Designing and building fireproof structures is not only crucial for safeguarding lives and property but also for ensuring the resilience of communities in the face of potential fire disasters. This article presents a comprehensive guide on how to design and construct fireproof buildings in the UK, focusing on key considerations, materials, technologies, and regulations.

Site Selection and Planning

Choosing the right location for a fireproof building is paramount to its overall safety. Factors to consider during site selection and planning include:

  • Proximity to fire stations: Ensure that the site is within reasonable distance to emergency services.
  • Access and egress routes: Plan for multiple entry and exit points for safe evacuation.
  • Firebreaks and landscaping: Incorporate firebreaks and use fire-resistant landscaping materials to create defensible spaces around the building.

Fire-Resistant Materials

Selecting appropriate fire-resistant materials is essential in constructing a fireproof building. Consider the following materials:

  • Fire-rated gypsum boards: Use fire-rated gypsum boards for walls and ceilings to delay the spread of flames and smoke.
  • Fire-resistant glazing: Install fire-resistant glazing in windows and doors to prevent fire from spreading through openings.
  • Fire-resistant insulation: Choose insulation materials with high fire resistance ratings to reduce the spread of fire.
  • Steel and concrete: Incorporate steel and concrete into the building’s structure as they are inherently fire-resistant materials.

Passive Fire Protection

Passive fire protection measures are integral in preventing the spread of fire and smoke. These measures include:

  • Fire-rated doors and partitions: Install fire-rated doors and partitions to compartmentalize the building and slow down the spread of fire.
  • Firestops and seals: Use firestops and seals to close gaps and openings in walls and floors, preventing the passage of flames and smoke.
  • Fire-resistant coatings: Apply fire-resistant coatings to structural elements to enhance their fire resistance.

Active Fire Protection Systems

Active fire protection systems are designed to detect and suppress fires. Include the following systems in your design:

  • Fire sprinklers: Install automatic fire sprinkler systems that activate in response to high temperatures, suppressing flames and minimizing damage.
  • Smoke detectors and alarms: Implement a comprehensive system of smoke detectors and alarms throughout the building for early fire detection and evacuation alerts.
  • Fire extinguishers: Place easily accessible fire extinguishers in key locations for immediate response to small fires.

Building Regulations and Codes

Adherence to building regulations and codes is crucial in designing and constructing fireproof buildings in the UK. Familiarize yourself with relevant guidelines such as:

  • Building Regulations Part B: Focuses on fire safety requirements for buildings in England.
  • BS 9999: Provides recommendations for fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings.
  • Approved Document B: Offers guidance on how to meet the fire safety requirements of the Building Regulations.

Professional Expertise

Collaborating with professionals who specialize in fire engineering and building design is vital. Engage architects, engineers, and fire safety consultants who can help develop a comprehensive fire safety strategy tailored to your building’s needs.

Conclusion

Designing and constructing fireproof buildings in the UK is a multifaceted process that requires careful consideration of site selection, materials, technologies, and regulations. By implementing a combination of passive and active fire protection measures, incorporating fire-resistant materials, and adhering to relevant codes and guidelines, it is possible to create buildings that are well-prepared to withstand the threat of fire and ensure the safety of occupants and property. As the importance of building safety continues to gain momentum, investing in fireproof design and construction is a crucial step toward building a resilient and secure future.

Contact us

Contact us
Advice Center

Fire proofing your home: What you need to know 

7th November 20220

A house fire is one of the scariest things a person can experience. More than 37,000 house fires are reported each year in the UK. It is devastating how fast things can take a turn for the worst. Around 200 – 300 people a year lose their lives due to household fires. This is why fire proofing your home is so important. Read on to find the best ways to fire proof your home.  

What does fire proofing mean? 

It’s the process of making buildings resistant to fire damage by including fireproof materials. This doesn’t guarantee that it will never burn, but it can reduce the impact of the extreme heat.  

Is fire proofing necessary?  

Yes, it protects buildings from collapsing and enables time for a safe evacuation of residents in the buildings.  

Ways to fire proof your homes –  

Use fire resistant materials –  

The materials you use for your home can have a big impact on your safety, and not many people know that. When it comes to materials, concrete panels, stucco or brick for exterior walls, steel framing for windows and concrete or metal for roofing are all good choices. Fire retardant paint is also a good idea. For decking, concrete, tiles, stone or brick are better than wood. 

After the great fire of London in 1666, thatched roofs were banned in the city to avoid another rapid spread of fire. Although, statistically homes with thatched roofs are no more likely to catch fire than those with conventional roofs. However, if they do the results are often rapid and spectacular. It seems worse, mainly because thatched fires in unprotected properties usually causes severe damage and therefore receives maximum publicity. 

Check and install smoke alarms –  

Smoke alarms are very important in homes, they provide early warnings of smoke and fire in your house. The best place to put a smoke detector is on the ceiling in the hallways and the landing. You shouldn’t put smoke alarms in the kitchen or bathrooms. You should check your smoke alarms at least once a month to see if they still work. And change the batteries every 6 months.  

Have a fire extinguisher on hand –  

Having an extinguisher handy can make all of the difference between a small incident in the kitchen and the entire house Burning down. A good place to keep one is in the kitchen, as that is where many fires start. Make sure it is handy and accessible to everyone in the house. 

Clear the gutters –  

Even if your roof if made from fire resistant materials, if you have leaves and debris up there it can cause a fire. Cleaning our cutters regularly is a good idea. Also, if you have a chimney, you should get that cleaned once a year to check for soot build up.  

(Image credit: Chris Snook )
Advice Center, Loft Conversion

Everything To Know About Fire Safety For A Loft Conversion

15th December 20210

When converting existing roof space into a room the provision for escape needs to be considered throughout the full extent of the escape route. The protection of life in the event of a fire is extremely important and shouldn’t be taken lightly.  

Fire detection and alarm systems –  

Where new rooms are provided above the ground floor level, fire alarm systems should be installed as they can significantly increase the level of safety, by giving an early warning of fire. 

It is essential that the fire alarms are properly designed, installed, and maintained.  

Important notes –  

  • Smoke alarms should be positioned in the circulation spaces within 7.5 m of every room.  
  • No bedroom door should be further than 3 m from the nearest smoke alarm.  
  • There should be at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property. 
  • Smoke alarms should not be fixed next to or directly above heaters or air conditioners.  
  • They should also not be placed over stairs or any opening between floors. 

Ways to escape if there was a fire –  

The main escape route from your loft conversion would normally be the hallway and staircase of your home. Therefore. This route needs to be protected as much as possible and offer at least 30 minutes of fire resistance. 

How this can be achieved –  

  • All the doors that lead off from the staircase will need to be upgraded to give fire resistance or be placed with fire doors.  
  • If your stairs lead to an open plan area, they will either need to be enclosed with partition walls, to keep the escape route protected. Or, you will need to install a sprinkler system in the open plan area. 
  • You may need to upgrade the fireproofing on your ceiling below the new loft conversion. 

The main fire-resistant materials that are used are timber stud partitions and metal frame partitions. With these materials, the potential fire will be delayed for around 30 minutes.  

You will also need an escape window; this window would need to be no higher than 1.1 m above the floor and 459 x 450 mm in size. This is because you need a large enough space to escape out of in case of an emergency.  

Alternative escape routes –  

Often people who want to take extra safety measures feel more comfortable if there is an alternative exit. The best way to include this is by adding an external staircase leading to the loft conversion. Although, you would need to make sure that the external door is also fire resistant and the outside stairs should be protected from weather conditions.  

Do I Need Fire Doors If I Have A Loft Conversion - OakwoodLoft

Contact us

Contact us