I did research and arranged successful fire resistance tests to BS 476 conducted in the fire test laboratories in TNO Institute in Delft, Netherlands. Within the construction timescale it was not possible to get tests done in an accredited fire test lab in the UK in the late 1960s. All the floors in this 600ft (200m) high building ...
I was asked to give advice on the new top floor flat and proposed upgrading to the fire precautions within the existing common parts. It was noted that the basement flat had, at the front, its own concrete escape stair in the open air exiting onto the pavement. At the rear it is land locked but the ...
This work involved advice to a manufacturer of external cladding systems following the Grenfell fire disaster. I was asked to summarise the building regulations on fire safety in the UK for low rise and high-rise buildings, and identify the important standard fire tests that needed to be satisfied. This has involved an examination of the tests and classification system governing the non-combustibility test, limited combustibility test and other standard tests, including BS 8414–1 external cladding test, in order that the ...
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I was asked to give advice on the splendid duplex apartment located on the fourth and fifth floors. There were doubts about the efficacy of an incorrectly installed cooker hood and extract, and on the lack of fire detection in the roof space, etc. I observed that the fifth floor is approximately 15 m from ground level and beyond the reach of normal fire appliance ladders for rescue so that fire detection needs to be rapid so that safe escape ...
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I was asked to visit the site and give an opinion on the completion of some fire upgrading following an inspection of the building by the local fire officer who had prepared a schedule of remedial fire safety measures under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. I was able to confirm that much of the work had been completed satisfactorily and I made some recommendations for further improvements ...
I was asked to make a site inspection and make recommendations as to how, safely, one could install a dishwasher and tumble dryer in a tall two-door cupboard owned by my client but on the landing of a common parts staircase. There were only two flats above my clients flat and therefore few people were at risk. After ...
Initially my brief was to comment on a quotation for a watermist system and I was able to identify a more economical AWFS system saving more than £10k and I also suggested a revised area coverage. I was also asked to comment on the building control officer’s comments on the project, which I did.
I suggested ...
The architect for a mixed use planning application in Hackney wished to have some direction and reassurance on the design in terms of fire escape strategies. The project comprised 15 dwellings on 4 floors above 2 floors of commercial space. The architect and I met in a local restaurant and discussed the concept plans for a couple of hours and made good headway. No written report was required. Client very happy.
Client: Wellworth London Ltd.
Read On → ShareI was approached by the architect for fire advice on a new contemporary private mews (six 3-bed houses over 3 floors) development in East London. The site had two points on entry, one used for entry and the other for exit. The planners had been very positive. Now was the time to develop a fire and emergency strategy for the site, and I became involved. My report was principally intended to assist in gaining planning approval and, later, contribute towards ...
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