Services
Fire Strategy Design
The fire strategy design for a building provides the basis for all passive and active elements of fire safety design to develop from. In many cases a fire strategy is a simple description outlining compliance with the relevant code guidance. Alternatively, it can be a very detailed and complex document outlining a number of technical analyses addressing departures from the codes. We are involved in projects from conception all the way to completion, and beyond that to handover and operation. We work with clients to fully understand the brief, so that we can deliver the most appropriate solution to fire strategy design.
Services:
- Fire strategy development through all design and construction stages and handover;
- Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs): Planning Statement for Gateway One, fire strategy development and support for Gateways Two and Three, ongoing advice throughout the process;
- Code consulting;
- Performance based fire engineering design;
- Retrospective fire strategies for existing buildings;
- Third party review.
Due Diligence
The directors at Sedrow Fire Engineering have advised both buyers and vendors on a large number of multi-building acquisitions and sales. Many of these have included high rise residential buildings, student residential, offices and hotels. In our experience there are three main factors to consider. The first is the overall standard of fire safety design across the building. For example, whether the building has adequate escape routes and fire fighting access, and whether appropriate fire safety systems are installed. The second is the standard of fire compartmentation, both active and passive, which is dependent on both the design and workmanship. The third is the external wall, which is affected by a number of factors and again is dependent on workmanship.
Services:
We oversee the fire strategy element of the due diligence process, working with surveyors to direct them as to where investigations should be carried out and to interpret their findings. Once we have gathered all relevant information, we are able to advise a buyer or seller as to where the likely opportunities lie for negotiation in the acquisition. Our involvement in previous acquisitions has made differences to sales prices of many millions of pounds.
Fire Engineering Analysis
At Sedrow Fire Engineering, it is often in our technical assessments and fire engineering analysis where we make the most difference. Through using recognised fire engineering methodologies, we are able to move beyond the restrictions of prescriptive code guidance to allow greater flexibility in design. This adds value to a project both by reducing cost and by allowing the design to progress in line with the design team’s wishes. It does not mean a compromise in safety. Previous uses of fire engineering analysis include: Reduction in the number and width of stairs in commercial buildings, increasing the net floor areas across all floors; Reducing the required fire resistance period for a building’s structure; Using smoke control techniques, including computational fluid dynamics, to increase travel distances and reduce smoke control measures in shopping malls and other large spaces; Allowing atria through floors in educational and office buildings.
Services:
- Detailed means of escape design, including evacuation modelling;
- Structural fire engineering;
- Smoke control design and calculation, including computational fluid dynamics;
- External fire spread calculation and analysis.
External Wall Assessment
External walls have become a key focus for fire safety design in recent years. External walls can be complex, with different materials and build-ups, often consisting of various cladding and insulation types, with fire stopping and cavity barriers arranged across each elevation. These aspects can’t be assessed alone but instead have to be considered alongside other elements of the fire strategy design, such as the evacuation strategy, standard of active and passive fire strategy systems, occupant type, and much more. Furthermore, the guidance and legislation on external walls has been subject to continual change, creating difficulty for developers and contractors. At Sedrow Fire Engineering we have extensive experience in external wall design and assessment. We work with architects, façade engineers and surveyors to agree the appropriate action, both for new and existing buildings. We provide EWS1 forms and, where necessary, carry out FRAEW assessments using PAS9980. We provide ongoing advice during design and construction.
Services:
- Fire Risk Assessment for External Walls (FRAEW) using PAS9980 (for existing buildings);
- Remediation advice for external walls;
- External wall advice for new buildings;
- EWS1 forms and associated report;
- Take the lead role in external wall investigations, directing surveyors as necessary.