Fire Risks during design and build

An extract from an article by Margaret Kirby © IRN/HRM Research

“Dealing with practical fire safety issues during design and build projects – including the use of flammable foams during construction, over specification of fire doors and building designed not conforming to current standards – were discussed at a recent IOSH webinar. Highlighting some of the common issues found, ex-fire fighter Christopher of AC Fire Safety Ltd, a UK based consultancy firm, spoke of what owners, or the person in control of the workplace or building need to be aware of.

One of the topics discussed with Fire Alarm Failures, the topic of fire alarms was raised in the context of the need to understand the purpose of having it, was it primarily to protect life of property? Fire alarms can often be disregarded due to too many false alarms cautioned Mr Stone.

The Management, maintenance and testing of the fire alarms should be built into the overall fire strategy of the organization and regular testing should be completed to ensure workers are familiar with the sound of the alarm and respond appropriately when exiting the building or work environment in a controlled and orderly manner.

In Ireland there is a requirement to complete a fire safety risk assessment under the SHWWW Act 2005 and also a separate fire safety assessment can be requested by the Fire Authority. The Fire safety assessment contents must comply with the new Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessments of Premises and Buildings (refer to HSR April 2021, link www.healthyandsafetyreview.ie/article/7443)“.

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