A CO2 fire extinguisher is commonly used for fires involving live electrical equipment and flammable liquids (Class B). It is widely specified for electrical risks because it does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue. Where Can a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Be Used? CO2 extinguishers are most effective on small, contained Class B fires and Read more »
A dry powder fire extinguisher is an extremely versatile extinguisher choice since it can be used on a wide range of fire types. That being said, it is not recommended to use a dry powder fire extinguisher in an enclosed space. These fire extinguishers fall into one of the following types: Standard dry powder fire Read more »
ASET and RSET are important fire engineering concepts used to assess whether people have enough time to escape before conditions become unsafe. They are commonly used in fire strategy work, evacuation analysis, smoke control design and complex building assessments. Quick Answer ASET means Available Safe Egress Time. RSET means Required Safe Egress Time. In simple Read more »
Whether you are undertaking a new-build project or a refurbishment, fire safety must be considered and coordinated throughout every stage of design, planning, construction, and occupation. Fire safety engineering input at the correct points within the RIBA Plan of Work helps ensure that buildings are safe, compliant, and deliverable — avoiding late-stage design changes, regulatory Read more »
HSG168, Fire safety in construction, is Health and Safety Executive guidance for managing fire risks during construction work. The current third edition was published in July 2022 and is relevant to those who procure, design, develop and manage construction projects. Construction fire safety needs to be considered from the earliest design and planning stages, not Read more »
The Fire Safety Bill was introduced in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy to address gaps in how fire safety responsibilities were being applied to multi-occupied residential buildings. Its purpose was to clarify how existing fire safety duties should apply to certain parts of residential buildings that had previously fallen into a grey area, particularly Read more »
Fire alarm systems are a critical life safety measure and a legal requirement in many premises under UK fire safety legislation. An effective fire detection and alarm system ensures that a fire is detected early, occupants are warned promptly, and evacuation can take place safely. They are required in workplaces, commercial premises, residential buildings, and Read more »
Fire doors are a critical life-safety feature in many buildings, forming part of the fire precautions required to protect escape routes, support compartmentation, and limit the spread of fire and smoke. To perform as intended, fire doors must be correctly specified, competently installed, and regularly maintained. Poor installation, incompatible components, or lack of inspection can Read more »
Fire dampers help maintain fire compartmentation where ventilation ductwork passes through fire-resisting walls, floors or other compartment lines. If a damper fails to close, fire and smoke can spread through the ductwork and undermine the building’s passive fire protection strategy. A fire damper survey identifies, inspects, tests and records the condition and operation of fire Read more »
Passive fire protection surveys help identify whether the built-in fire safety measures in a building are present, suitable and maintained. These measures are often hidden in walls, floors, ceilings, risers, service penetrations, doors, cavities and structural protection, but they are critical to slowing fire and smoke spread. For landlords, managing agents, building owners, employers and Read more »
