construction Engineering Fire Consultancy

A Fire Safety Engineer is typically employed to ensure that a building design achieves the functional requirements of fire safety legislation or other fire safety objectives whilst not impacting on the architects vision.

This is typically achieved by working with a Design Team throughout the RIBA Stages and developing a Fire Strategy. The Fire Strategy is used to gain approval from Building Control Bodies (BCB) and Fire & Rescue Service (FRS) and becomes the fire safety ‘blueprint’ that will be referred to through the buildings lifecycle.

What is our Construction Engineering Fire Consultancy?

Whether you’re working on a new construction or renovating a building, it’s crucial to ensure that all fire safety measures are followed during design, planning, and construction.

At Firntec, we are dedicated to offering high-quality fire engineering support and consultancy services to architects, building designers, and managers across all stages of construction outlined by RIBA.

During the building design phases, we tailor cost-effective solutions based on your specific needs. These solutions prioritise efficiency and flexibility while strictly adhering to the requirements of Building Regulations Approved Document ‘B.’

The Fire Strategy we develop serves as a crucial tool for gaining approval from Building Control Bodies (BCB) and Fire & Rescue Service (FRS). It becomes the fire safety ‘blueprint’ referenced throughout the entire lifecycle of the building.

What are the RIBA stages?

Strategic definition marks the initial step in the RIBA Plan of Work. It’s worth noting that although it’s a recently added phase, some tasks in this stage were part of the previous first stage in the 2007 Plan of Work, known as Appraisal.

During this stage, the focus is on evaluating the client’s business case and strategic brief to ensure thorough consideration. Additionally, the project’s scope is outlined at this point.

As per the 2020 Plan of Work Edition, strategic definition revolves around making informed strategic decisions and encapsulating them in a Business Case, rather than concentrating on design or practical details.

Tasks include assessing benefits and drawbacks, analysing project risks, reviewing the project budget, conducting site surveys as needed, and confirming the option that best meets the client’s requirements.

Preparation and briefing entail getting ready for the project by putting together a detailed project brief. This includes information about space needs, quality goals, sustainability targets, and overall project outcomes.

During this stage, the team also gathers the necessary information for the design process. This may involve conducting feasibility studies to explore all aspects of the brief and confirm that spatial requirements can be met.

Furthermore, the team collaborates to set a project budget, create a project schedule, and establish a plan for executing the project.

After completing feasibility studies and options appraisals, and having a project brief in place, the next step is the concept design phase.

In this stage, the main tasks include developing a design concept that incorporates strategic engineering needs and takes into account project strategies, cost plans, and basic specifications.

The design team will also conduct reviews of the design with clients and project stakeholders.

Spatial coordination is a recent addition to the 2020 RIBA Plan of Work, taking the place of ‘Developed Design’ in the 2013 edition.

This stage primarily focuses on evaluating the Architectural concept using engineering analysis, design studies, and cost exercises. The goal is to confirm that the engineering and architectural information from the concept design phase is spatially coordinated and matches the updated cost plan, basic specifications, and project strategies.

Technical design encompasses tasks that take place after detailed design and before the construction process begins.

During this stage, all the necessary design information for manufacturing and construction is finalized.

Key tasks include refining engineering and architectural designs, and organizing the Building Systems information of the design team. It also entails preparing and incorporating information from specialist subcontractors related to Building Systems.

 
 

The 2020 RIBA Plan of Work replaced ‘Construction’ with Manufacturing and Construction, as seen in the 2013 edition.

This stage primarily focuses on building the systems in accordance with the chosen Construction Programme in the Building Contract.

Key tasks during this stage include creating the building manual, finalizing site logistics, addressing site queries, assessing construction progress against the Construction Programme, checking construction quality, and commissioning the building.

It also involves issuing a practical completion certificate, indicating that the contractor has finished the project and is ready to hand it over to the client.

In construction projects, handover can mean either:

  • Giving the site to a contractor at the project’s start.
  • Delivering the completed work to the client.

In ecological matters, handover occurs at any point in the development cycle when landscape and ecological responsibilities shift between individuals, groups, or organizations, including the transfer of necessary documentation and information to achieve ecological goals.

Key tasks during the handover stage include assessing project performance, addressing identified defects, and completing initial aftercare services.

In the 2013 RIBA Plan of Work, stage 7, known as ‘In Use,’ included tasks like evaluating how a building is used and reviewing the project after completion. In the 2020 edition, design and construction teams usually don’t have stage 7 responsibilities. However, clients can seek advice from consultants for tasks like post-occupancy evaluation, maintenance, insurance, tenant queries, energy efficiency, and preparing documents for operation and maintenance contracts.

Firntec’s team of Engineers are here to provide support with your construction project – this may involve:

  • Design Team uncertainty about another Consultant’s/Engineer’s work, seeking a second opinion.

  • Surveyor or lender assessing a property for acquisition, requiring a detailed Fire Safety Standard report for compliance evaluation.

  • Highly complex and unique projects unfamiliar to existing consultants, design teams, or contractors.

  • Dealing with challenges posed by listed buildings.

We’re proud to help our clients make informed decisions on how best to manage risks from fire and ensure fire safety. 

Find out more about our Accreditations

Professional, accredited and highly skilled in delivering building compliance and surveying consultancy

Firntec is a leading provider in building compliance and surveying consultancy. We work with landlords, organisations and UK businesses to ensure their buildings are compliant for use by all. We carry out top-quality fire risk assessments and building surveys across a multitude of sectors.
Our Expertise
  • Fire Safety
  • Building Safety Case Consultancy
  • Electrical Safety
  • Asbestos Management
  • Legionella Management
  • Measured Building Surveys
  • BIM 3D Modelling
Sectors we work with:

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