Fire engineering is a technical career that combines engineering, fire science, building design, risk analysis and fire safety legislation. Fire engineers help design, assess and improve buildings so people can escape safely and fire spread is controlled. There is more than one route into the profession. Some people study fire engineering at university, some enter Read more »
Fire engineering is the application of engineering principles, fire science and risk-based analysis to fire safety design. It is used to help buildings achieve appropriate levels of life safety, property protection, firefighting access and regulatory compliance. Fire engineers are often involved where a building is complex, unusual, high-risk, being newly designed, being altered, or where Read more »
Fire doors are a key part of a building’s passive fire protection, escape route protection and compartmentation strategy. UK fire door regulations require responsible persons to make sure that fire doors are suitable, properly maintained and effective where they are provided as fire safety measures. This guide explains the main fire door legal duties for Read more »
Not all premises present the same level of fire risk, which is why fire alarm systems in the UK are designed and categorised to suit different building types, uses, and occupancy levels. Under UK fire safety law, the Responsible Person must ensure that any fire detection and alarm system installed is appropriate for the premises, Read more »
Dry risers are an important part of the firefighting facilities in many taller buildings. They are designed to help the fire and rescue service get water to upper floors quickly, without having to run charged hose lines all the way from ground level. For building owners, managing agents, landlords and responsible persons, the key duty Read more »
Fire is the oxidation of elements in the exothermic chemical combustion, releasing light, heat and other reaction products depending on the components involved. Different fires require different fire extinguishers, as will be discussed below. By understanding the various types of fires, you will know which fire extinguisher to choose. The PASS System for Using Fire Read more »
In case of a fire outbreak, your first consideration should be ensuring the safe evacuation of the people inside the burning building. However, sometimes fires can spread quickly and hamper people’s evacuation. Without correctly fitted intumescent strips, even a certified fire door may fail to perform as intended in a fire situation. The spreading smoke Read more »
Fire is a serious risk in any building, but in care homes the consequences can be particularly severe. Residents may have limited mobility, sensory impairments, cognitive difficulties, or medical conditions that affect how they respond in an emergency. This means fire safety in care homes requires careful planning, robust systems, and ongoing management. Those responsible Read more »
Fire safety in tower blocks and high-rise residential buildings is a critical issue, requiring robust fire risk management, effective passive fire protection, and clear legal accountability. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, fire safety in high-rise residential buildings came under intense scrutiny. This led to major changes in how fire safety legislation is applied, Read more »
Fire marshals, also called fire wardens, help the Responsible Person manage fire safety arrangements in a premises. Their role usually includes supporting fire prevention, helping with evacuation, checking escape routes, reporting defects and making sure people know what to do if a fire occurs. UK fire safety law does not always require a role with Read more »
