Fire Engineering

As well as being experts in creating safe and efficient building systems, Whitecode Consulting specialises in designing fire engineering solutions.

Fire engineering is the application of scientific and engineering principles, rules, codes and expert judgement based on the effect of fire and reactive behaviour of people to fire, in order to protect people, property and the environment from the effects of fire in accordance with BS 7974 section 3.17.

A qualified fire engineer must understand the nature and characteristics of fire, how fire originates and spreads, and how fire can be controlled. A fire engineer can use their expertise to make evaluations and highlight optimum preventive and protective measures necessary to limit the consequences of fire through design.

When it comes to creating a fire-safe building there are two paths to follow; code compliance - where you comply with necessary standards - or adopt a fire engineering design approach to BS 7994: Fire Safety Engineering. This standard is where fire safety engineering principles are applied to the design of a building. By using this standard it enables you to adapt code compliance with a more engineered approach.

This is exemplified by the following example. In relation to fire safety, a code may outline that a specific travel distance must be met. However, with a fire engineering approach, a more bespoke route can be taken. For instance, a travel distance can be extended, providing that the right measures are in place to compensate for the chosen amendment.

Ultimately, a building can be enhanced by adding additional measures within the fire safety criteria. This is particularly beneficial as in the code, it is not possible to account for each situation. Sometimes it is necessary to adapt an environment so it meets specific requirements.

With years of experience, Whitecode Consulting is able to provide fire engineering solutions for all manner of complex requirements.