FIRE ENGINEERING
McLean Consulting has provided fire engineering input to architects and building owners for hundreds of new and existing buildings over 2 decades.
FIRE REPORTS
What is a Fire Report and when do I need one?
To assess an application for a building consent Councils normally require a fire report to accompany the consent application. This report sets out the fire safety features incorporated in the building design to meet building code requirements. These include:
- Escape routes.
- Fire safety systems such as sprinklers, fire alarms, exit signage and emergency lighting.
- Fire-rating and fire characteristics of building elements for occupant and firefighter safety.
- Facilities for fire-fighting.
- Prevention of fire spread to neighbouring properties.
Fire reports may also be required for subdivision applications where allotment boundary changes impact on existing buildings. They are not normally required for work associated with detached residential dwellings.
While the fire report sets out the fire safety design requirements, the incorporation of these into the building design is carried out by the project architects, structural and building services engineers.
EARLY IS BEST
Escape route requirements impact on the architectural design of a building so early engagement of fire engineering input and identification of requirements is vital at the preliminary design stage.
METHODOLOGY
Most buildings in New Zealand are designed to building code Acceptable Solutions. These provide a somewhat simplified and economical solution for fire safety design.
Large and complicated buildings may require a more rigorous first-principles approach to establish building code compliance. These are commonly known as “VM2” designs. “VM2” designs require considerable engineering input and are therefore more expensive. McLean Consulting does not offer “VM2” design services.
