Fire-Q

Intelligent fire solutions

Timber Frame Construction

– OFF SITE FIRE SPREAD RISK ASSESSMENTS –

A unique collaboration of fire and structural engineering tailored to provide the best service to our clients.

GET A QUOTESEE PROJECTS

FIRE ENGINEERING & TIMBER FRAME

– A BRIEF OVERVIEW –

Timber is an environmentally friendly and adaptable material for buildings, and achieves the high level requirements of codes for sustainability. In recent years, major fires in timber framed buildings during the construction period have led to the development of in depth understanding of fire risk through research, testing and modelling. This has been supported by scientists, engineers, regulators and the timber frame industry. The fruits of this labor have materialized in the form of guidance for the industry regarding acceptable separation distances and appropriate timber frame systems. It is also recognized by the HSE in an open letter published in 2014 that a Fire Engineered approach can also be adopted.

This guidance is readily available to timber frame contractors and designers, but there can be significant safety benefits and cost saving implications to commissioning a Fire Engineer to undertake an Off-site Fire Spread Risk Assessment (OSFRA) report.

In providing this service we assess the risk from each site individually and develop a rationalised protection strategy that will achieve an acceptable level of safety. We will work with you to develop a bespoke approach that works best for your project.

Fire-Q operate a joint partnership with Martin Milner of Project Milner to provide a fire spread risk assessment service to developers, architects, timber frame designers and other timber frame industry operators. This is a unique collaboration of fire and structural engineering tailored to provide the best service for our clients.

OUR TIMBER FRAME SPECIALISTS

Paul Yeomans
MEng/BEng
Fire Engineer/Director
paul.yeomans@fire-q.co.uk
+44 7837845002
LinkedIn

MARTIN MILNER
C Eng
martin@milnerassociates.co.uk
+44 7801340231
LinkedIn

FIRE-Q OFFERS

– A UNIQUE SKILL SET TAILORED FOR TIMBER FRAME –

fire-q_icon_200

OVER 200 SITES

We maintain a small team of highly experienced fire engineers and operate a streamlined and mobile company structure allowing us to operate anywhere in the UK and internationally. Minimized overheads mean lower fees for our clients.

fire-q_icon_star

100% SUCCESS RATE

We collaborate with an ever growing number of architects, designers, project managers, building owners and building regulators aiming to achieve our clients desired design on budget and on time.

fire-q_icon_clock

RAPID TURNAROUND

We are highly familiar with regulatory guidance such as the Approved Document B (link), BS 9999 (link) and BS 7974 (link) as well as a growing base of international codes.

fire-q_icon_all_sites

ALL SITES POSSIBLE

We use performance based design and have an expansive, up to date knowledge of protection systems and alternate, cost saving measures designed to meet the functional requirements of the building code, rather than the prescriptive requirements of the guidance documents, which can often be restrictive.

fire-q_icon_star

LARGE EXPERIENCE

We understands risk; meaning we can adopt a probabilistic approach for a given scenario including for example the probability of fire occurring, of injury or death of occupants if fire occurs, of a system operating correctly in the event of fire and of early detection and warning of occupants in the event of fire.

fire-q_icon_10

10 YEARS +

We are not afraid to change our ways when a particular approach can be improved. We take pride in finding solutions to new challenges and adjust our methods accordingly.

fire-q_icon_expert

EXPERT KNOWLEDGE

We are highly familiar with regulatory guidance such as the Approved Document B (link), BS 9999 (link) and BS 7974 (link) as well as a growing base of international codes.

fire-q_icon_radiant

RADIANT HEAT TOOL

We use performance based design and have an expansive, up to date knowledge of protection systems and alternate, cost saving measures designed to meet the functional requirements of the building code, rather than the prescriptive requirements of the guidance documents, which can often be restrictive.

OUR METHOD

Each site is unique and presents different risks and challenges. We work with our clients to ensure that a feasible system is adopted to present an acceptable level of risk.

Timber frame fire report

Our site assessments include the following:

  • A project description in terms of the proposed site, any phasing and the surrounding risks.
  • A review of the surrounding area including any isolated escape routes nearby.
  • Fire-Q RT Radiant Heat Flux Tool assessment of the proposed site on the surrounding risk points and any isolated escape routes.
  • Development of a site specific protection strategy.
  • Analysis of any residual radiant heat risks and feedback into protection strategy
  • Additional items to consider in fire risk mitigation
  • Marked up drawing providing details of specific construction protection requirements.
  • If required, we can provide fire plans and site safety guidance to ensure the means of escape provisions for on-site workers are acceptable.
Protection measures

Potential protective systems and measures include:

  • Rationalised partial UKTFA compliant CAT B1/2/3 or C protection systems to protect specific risks.
  • Modified systems designed to achieve a desired performance criteria.
  • Phasing out risks by adapting the work program.
  • Use of non-combustible sheathings.
  • Site management and off-site procedures in the event of a fire

OUR BACKGROUND

The beginning

Our experience and background dates from the time the HSE begun taking action due to the perceived risk the timber frame construction presented. Martin (former chairman of the UKTFA) has been the Author of the Separation Distances guidance that has allowed the timber frame industry to move forward. Fire-Q’s director Paul (while working at FERMI ltd) worked alongside the University of Leeds to develop a radiant heat analysis tool that could be used to estimate the risk from any configuration of timber frame buildings and their respective risks.

Radiant heat analysis tool

The method was rigorously reviewed (all calculations and selected variables used had to be justified) by Herodotos Phylaktou (Professor of Fire Engineering at the University of Leeds) and the HSL (Heath and Safety Laboratories) and in time, the method was accepted as a reasonable approach.

Timber frame systems

From this point Martin and Paul were involved in designing and implementing a test method of various timber frame systems which took place at Little Risslington Fire Testing Facility. The results from this were analysed by Paul (FERMI) and used as part of a technical report bringing together all the research done to that point (FERMI Report No. 1 Risk of Fire Spread beyond Construction Site Boundaries). This report formed the basis of the rationale behind the timber frame systems A, B(1-3) and C(1 & 2) and led to the production of the UKTFA Product Paper 4 for timber frame designers.

During and after this period, Martin and Paul were assessing many sites across the nation allowing timber frame projects to move forward. They have been involved in many large scale developments and projects in which the HSE had taken action. Suffice to say, Martin and Pauls’ experience in the area of Timber Frame Fire Spread risk is unlikely to be paralleled.

EXAMPLE PROJECTS

Batchworth Lock

Timber Frame Fire Spread Risk Assessment

Fire-Q were engaged to put together a timber frame fire risk assessment for this large housing development. HSE studies suggest that timber frame sites can in a worst case scenario pose a risk to nearby buildings.

The proposed development was a four-storey hotel, in an area near residential and commercial buildings.

Fire-Q analysed the site, and the potential radiant heat flux in the event of a fire, and were able to suggest mitigation measures to reduce the risk while the timber frame was under construction.

Otley Road, Baildon

Timber Frame Fire Spread Risk Assessment

This is an example of a fire risk assessment completed on a timber framed residential development, for the purpose of developing a fire mitigation strategy for buildings constructed with timber frames. The subsequent risk assessment review, conducted by the fire engineer, provides a fire protection system that mitigates against the risk of fire spread to adjacent buildings and a fire design solution that protects the means of escape for residents.

The proposed development consisted of two semi-detached houses and one detached property, to be constructed from timber frame. There were nearby existing residential buildings, several of which were in close proximity to the site.

Timber frame buildings built in proximity to existing buildings can constitute a fire spread risk and a risk to single escape route conditions. The RHF to escape routes were assessed to ensure that a fire on this site should not compromise any off-site means of escape.

Oxenholme

Timber Frame Fire Spread Risk Assessment

Fire-Q were asked to provide a construction fire risk assessment for this timber frame site.

The proposed development consisted of two large blocks of flats, near occupied residential buildings. In the event of a fire during construction, there was potential for fire to spread and cause life safety hazards to occupants of surrounding buildings.

Calculations developed in conjunction with the HSE were used to mitigate any risk to surrounding buildings and to maintain surrounding means of escape in the event of a fire.

Tenterden Phase C & D

Timber Frame Fire Spread Risk Assessment

This is an example of timber frame development which required a fire risk assessment. The proposed development consisted of two separate phases of a large development including mixed sized houses and apartment blocks.

There were buildings occupied by local people bordering the site on several sides. A fire engineering report was required to determine the potential danger to surrounding buildings and their escape routes.

Once this was done, measures were recommended to reduce the risk to life safety to an acceptable level. This both ensured safety for those living and working near the site and made the development cost effective for stakeholders.

Forge Weir View

Timber Frame Fire Spread Risk Assessment

This large housing development in Lancaster was constructed primarily from Timber Frame. On sites such as this, the HSE have mandated that any potential danger to surrounding buildings in the event of a fire is assessed by a qualified fire engineer.

Fire-Q were appointed to perform the fire risk assessment. First, the fire engineers established the locations of occupied surrounding buildings and the potential danger to occupants in a worst case scenario.

Mitigation measures were then suggested which allowed the construction to go ahead in a safe and cost-effective manner.

RESOURCES

– FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CHECK THE FOLLOWING LINKS –

Guidance documents and H&S Regulations

HSG168 – Fire safety in construction Guidance for clients, designers and those managing and carrying out construction work involving significant fire risks.

BRE 187 – External fire spread: building separation and boundary distances

2015 No. 51 HEALTH AND SAFETY The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

Guidance documents and H&S Regulations

16 Steps to Fire Safety On Timber Frame Construction Sites

UKTFA design guide to separating distances during construction

FERMI Report No. 1 Risk of Fire Spread beyond Construction Site Boundaries

Product Paper 4 Product assemblies to achieve different category levels of timber frame Date: December 2012 Author: Martin Milner Version

Videos

New guidance from the UK Timber Frame Association
This WebTV show discusses how (2011) guidance from the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) on risk mitigation measures against fire during construction to enable timber frame to be constructed in all locations.

When it all goes wrong: Fire Near AIG Campus

Copyright © 2020 fire-Q Ltd