Lawrence Webster Forrest
Legion House
Lower Road
Kenley
Surrey
CR8 5NH
Tel: +44 (0)20 8668 8663 Fax: +44 (0)20 8668 8583
E-mail: fire@lwf.co.uk
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Lawrence Webster Forrest
Legion House
Lower Road
Kenley
Surrey
CR8 5NH
Tel: +44 (0)20 8668 8663 Fax: +44 (0)20 8668 8583
E-mail: fire@lwf.co.uk
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Fire in a basement is very different to that above ground for two fundamental reasons. Firstly, true basements are enclosed, with no windows or means of ventilation, this condition allows for rapid heat build up with nowhere for the heat to dissipate to, other than internal openings within the basement.
Housekeeping, to many people, may refer to activities such as domestic chores. However, in the world of fire safety, it is a term frequently used to describe a vast range of issues that are often deficient and can have adverse effects on the residual risk posed by fire.
It must be understood that fire safety requirements are not optional and are required under statute.
It must be understood that fire safety requirements are not optional and are required under statute.
In general all commercial/public buildings in the UK will incorporate some form of active fire protection system.
The importance of fire safety training is commonly underestimated. Whilst significant resources are often ploughed into fire safety systems, it is often noted that many building occupiers do not have an adequate understanding of the building and what facilities are in place to prevent the occurrence of fire / fire spread, as well as the importance of other features such as the means of escape design.
With much emphasis placed on physical fire safety precautions, it must be ensured that adequate management systems are also in place.
There has been a fundamental regime change in Fire Safety Legislation / Enforcement with a shift in responsibility from the authorities onto the owner/occupier. The basis of fire safety precautions and their acceptability focuses on a building’s Fire Risk Assessment (FRA). However, with the progression of time, knowledge and understanding of these assessments, the quality of some FRA’s is being called into question by the fire authorities, with the terminology used stating that the assessments are ‘not suitable & sufficient’.
Fire safety is the same as any other discipline, in that reliance is placed on professionals to be competent and equally importantly to maintain their competence to achieve continued success. However, defining / classifying those persons who are deemed to be competent presents a number of difficulties.
The current economic situation will have an effect on most people, either personally, professionally, or both. However, few of us will consider the effects of economics in terms of fire safety.
Fire Engineering Design and Risk Assessment - Firefighting & External Water Supplies - Part 27
In LWF’s Fire Engineering blog series for Architects and others in the building design business, we have been looking at fire safety engineering. In part 26, we looked at how the choice of fire hydrant can affect the efficiency of delivery and by working out the additional time required to prime an underground hydrant when compared to a pillar hydrant with instantaneous couplings, it was established there could be as much as 2 minutes delay...
Fire Safety for Healthcare Premises - Venting of Basements - Part 61
In LWFs blog series for healthcare professionals, the aim is to give information on best practice of fire safety in hospitals and other healthcare premises. In part 60 of this series, the placement of fire hydrants in relation to hospital buildings was discussed. In part 61, we will look at the effects of smoke on basement levels and the use of venting.A fire which starts in a basement or involves a basement level causes...
Facilities Management & Fire Safety - Insurers & Property Protection - Part 8
In LWF’s blog series for those who work in Facilities Management or who have an interest in or responsibility for fire safety, we have been looking at the part Insurers have played in property protection over the years. In part 7, we discussed the role the FOC played in producing rules and regulations not only for building standards but also for fire protection products. In part 8, we will continue looking at the impact of...
Fire Engineering Design and Risk Assessment - Firefighting & External Water Supplies - Part 26
In LWF’s fire engineering blog series for Architects and other interested parties in the building design business, we have been looking at firefighting. In part 25, we looked at how hydrants should be located in relation to the building perimeter and the likely position of a Fire Service pump upon attending a fire at the premises. In part 26, we continue looking at location and also the type of hydrant provided in relation to the...
Fire Safety for Healthcare Premises - Fire Mains - Part 60
In LWFs blog series for healthcare professionals, the aim is to give information on best practice of fire safety in hospitals and other healthcare premises. In part 59 of this series, LWF discussed the requirements for healthcare buildings with a hospital street and which do not require a fire-fighting shaft. In part 60, we will look at the provision of fire mains.Fire mains must be provided in every firefighting shaft, or in some instances,...
The Wohl Neuroscience Institute - Fire Safety, Strategy & Engineering
Key Facts: Client: King’s Clinical Neuroscience Institute Project Manager: MACE Ltd Designers: Devereux Architects/Allies and Morrison Approximate Size: 7,400m2 Description of the Project:...
Fire - The External Risk
When we consider fire safety, our focus is normally from within, what can we do to prevent the occurrence of fire and how we can limit its damage. Whilst this is the correct stance to take, we m...
Evacuation Modelling - Factor in Human Behaviour
Evacuation of buildings can be analyzed in different ways. Approved Document B (ADB) which provides guidance on meeting the requirements of the England and Wales Building Regulations with regard to fi...