The LWF Blog
Fire Safety Engineering for Design – Designing Fire Precautions – Part 40
August 2, 2021 10:41 amLWF’s Fire Safety Engineering blog series is written for Architects, building designers and others in the construction industry to highlight and promote discussion on all topics around fire engineering. In part 39, LWF began to look at fire precautions in assembly and recreational buildings. In part 40, we continue looking at the design of fire precautions in educational, recreation and assembly buildings.
The purpose group of educational, recreational and assembly buildings has an increased emphasis on the occupancy. In each case, the occupancies can be a function of their operation. The design must address in detail how the facility will be utilised and managed and how the design occupancy is calculated. The design must also address the potential of the facility to change and grow in occupancy and function, to ensure the means of escape provision is adequate for the future.
Effective fire management in the occupying company or organisation is increasingly important and can assist with means of escape. One advantage of this purpose group is that commonly, staffing levels are relatively high when compared to other purpose groups. This can be a distinct benefit when reflected in the means of escape design.
Fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, are recommended in relevant areas. However, roof-mounted sprinklers in areas with high ceilings over 15 metres would be ineffective and in such instances, side-wall systems on both sides of an area can control fire in a compartment up to 16 metres wide.
Sprinklers are not the only type of water-based suppression system that can be suitable. Water mist systems which are suitable for application to a given circumstance may also be used.
It should be noted that water-based suppression systems may not be appropriate for use in extreme environments where the water in the pipes may freeze, cause blockages and pipe ruptures due to expansion of the water as it freezes.
In an environment where the system may be exposed to sub-zero temperatures on an occasional basis, steps can be taken to avoid issues. In many cases, a building’s heating system will ensure that the water in the pipes does not freeze, but there may be areas of vulnerability within the system and building which will need to be checked to ensure the areas do not drop below 5 degrees and that insulating materials are used.
In part 41 of LWF’s series on fire engineering, we will begin to look at fire precautions for industrial buildings. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this blog, or wish to discuss your own project with one of our fire engineers, please contact us.
Lawrence Webster Forrest has been working with their clients for over 25 years to produce innovative and exciting building projects. If you would like further information on how LWF and fire strategies could assist you, please contact the LWF office on 0800 410 1130.
While care has been taken to ensure that information contained in LWF’s publications is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of this information.