Fire Protection Engineering in an Apartment in South London at Peckham - Case Study Example

Fire protection engineering Name Institution Instructor Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1 Introduction 4 1.1Building Regulations 6 1.2Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) 7 2 Development and Initiation of fire in an enclosed region 7 2.1Design fires 8 2.1.1Spreading of toxic gases and smokes inside and outside an enclosed point of origin (PD 7974-2) 9 2.1.2 Fire spread and Structural response of fire which is beyond an enclosed point of origin (PD 7974-3:2003). 9 2.1.3 Fire detection and protection measures in place (PD 7974-4:2003.) 10 2.1.4 Method of intervention during an outbreak of fire (PD 7974-5:2002) 10 2.1.5 Life safety strategy for human factor evacuation of the occupants and their behaviours (PD 7974-6:2004) 11 3.1 Ground floor escape 11 3.2 Upper floors escape 12 3.3 Escape Facilities for Impaired Mobility 13 3.4 Access of the Fire Service facilities 14 4 Evacuation strategies for this building 14 4.1 Fire Alarm Systems 14 4.2 Smoke Control Systems 15 5 Fire extinguishing techniques 15 5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers 15 5.2Water Sprinkler Systems 15 5.3Special Extinguishing Systems (NFPA101, 2009) 16 5.4 Inert gas systems 16 6 Conclusion 18 References 19 Abstract The United Kingdom standards point out that there is a need to ensure that buildings are constructed in such a way that they are secure. The authorities have gone to a point of issuing guidelines and standards pertaining to the nature in which building should be constructed. This paper has investigated a range of specifications in the building projects related to active fire protection. Active fire protection is a measure mainly used in fire protection. It is characterized by systems and items that require motion and response to perform a particular task. This study elucidates the fire occurrence that occurred in an apartment in South London at Peckham that took place in 2009. The fire that engulfed the building was so strong that it spread to the neighbouring buildings. In a moment a group of fire fighters from London brigade came to put out the fire. They tried all possible mean by beating the smoke and intense heat and managed to rescue all the occupants who were in that particular building. Fire safety measures for this building are detailed in this report 1 Introduction Performance Based Design (PBD) is regarded highly due to its continued increase in provision of innovative solutions and cost effective fire safety strategies. As stipulated by Law and Gillie (2011), the main significance of PBD is to ensure that the occupant of a building have sufficient time to evacuate the building in case of an outbreak of fire. The construction of any building requires the knowledge of the safety factor more so those concerned with fire situation. Since the building was storeyed and was occupied by people, there is need to embrace redundancy and diversification. The building materials that were used in construction conformed to the fire safety standards. These are such that, they are materials which are not easily combustible to minimize the effects of emission of too much smoke. This included materials such as heavy timber. The flour of the building was properly built in such a manner that it was capable of withstanding any vibration (MacCollum, and Richard, 2005). Its beams were protected by the fireboards that ensured the beams were not severely affected in case of fire. To achieve this, the building had employed the intumescing system that was combined with the cell aperture that strengthens the internal beam. In fire engineering safe egress time available (ASET) should be more than Required Safe Egress Time (RSET), but should have the appropriate margin of safety. In this document ASET-RSET analysis foran apartment in South East London that encountered a fire outbreak in 2009. Appropriate ASET-RESET has been analyzed according to the available guidelines in determination of these values (Avillo, 2002). A review of building standards and measures pertaining to fire behaviour is essential as it outline characteristics of building when exposed to temperature experiences. Description of how BS 7974 can be used to demonstrate the required level of safety to a building when the building is exposed to fire provide a clear review of how structure responds when exposed to heat and the measure in the construction commonly used to limit the extent of destruction (British Standards, 2004). In any building the major concern for fire protection measure is provision of safety to the occupants of a given building. Property and building protection are meant to reduce physical damage to the building occupants and to the structure itself. External fire spread analysis has been presented in the anticipation for the future fit-out of the unit. The document provides analysis on the refurbishment of the building interior based on BS7479 standards. The church and residential are separated by compartment walls and are treated to cater for fire safety. The church and the residential compartments use the same stairs to the basement plant room and are accessed from residential reception. Residential reception area form a part of secondary mean of evacuation from the ground floor, which is at the back of the church. Secondary exit when on the eastern residential corridor is located on residential second floor. This is at the same level with the church first floor and passes through a plant room and a flat roof on south eastern side of the church. This escape route is meant to be used by the flat residents. This report is based on BS7974 which covers BS 7974:2001 Code of practices PD 7974-0:2002 guidance on design framework and for fire safety engineering procedure. PD 7974-1:2003 development and Initiation of fire in an enclosed region. PD 7974-2:2002 Spreading of toxic gases and smoke inside and outside an enclosed point of origin PD 7974-3:2003 fire spread and Structural response of fire which is beyond an enclosed point of origin PD 7974-4:2003. Fire detection and protection measures in place PD 7974-5:2002. Method of intervention during an outbreak of fire PD 7974-6:2004 life safety strategy for human factor evacuation of the occupants and their behaviours. PD 7974-7:2003 the probabilistic assessment of risk 1.1Building Regulations The task conducted in the outlined building was subject to building regulation BS 7974 Code of practice (Avillo, 2002). Because the work did not involve major changes in the building and occupancy of the building, compliance with the building regulation requirement related to fire could be demonstrated by making sure that there were no non-compliances with the building requirements. In order to prevent the building from collapsing from effects of fire, the columns were made to be strong. This was viable by performing the furnace test that established the failure criterion that would have occurred on any slab that was functioning. There were sprinklers that were in cooperated with the vestibular in each floor. The elevators were protected by connecting them directly to the floor space. Taking note that, many occupants would be in the building, the floor has to be such that it would accommodate heavy traffic jam in case of a fire emergency. The draft stops have to be connected occupying the height of the whole building so as, to act as the smoke reservoirs that would protect the environment. Moreover, the exit has to be attained easily by ensuring that, the vestibule is connected to the exit as noted by Sabaei (2006). The nature of the ventilators may be determined by aid of natural calculation. Use of fire safety curves such as the ire curves aid in ensuring that there is a clear relationship in the fire exposure in relation to time. Use of fire safety graphs would enable the performance of the beams to be ascertained. This would give the extent to which the beams are capable of withstanding without collapsing. 1.2Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) After completing the refurbishment regulatory reform became the dominant fire safety measure. This is a requisite for the occupier in order to ensure that fire risk assessment has been carried and implemented as noted by Ferguson (2006). The building managements are required to ensure that safety provision are managed appropriately, tested and maintained throughout the lifetime of the building. For effective management of fire safety, tenants and landlords are required to coordinate fire safety precautions. 2 Development and Initiation of fire in an enclosed region It provides guidance on how the growth of fire can be evaluated within an enclosed region considering the four major stages in fire development. This are Pre-flashover- a stage that include early growth of fire and development. flashover a fully developed fire when all the fuel is burning Decay Considering the information presented in PD 7974-0, it is possible to perform calculation of different parameters like the rate of heat release, the rate of smoke production, rate of production of fire effluents, the size of the frame and the temperature, temperature in an enclosure, the time flashover and the area of involvement. 2.1Design fires In case of fire, it is essential to follow the design fire scenario. The assumed characteristics on which fire quantification is based should be followed. Design fire should be appropriate to the aim of the engineering task on fire safety. To evaluate a system like smoke control, the management should ensure that, there is a design system that can challenge the system to ensure that all loopholes have been closed. The building design fire quantification must give a design that is conservative (A Pearson Consultant (For and on behalf of Exova Warringtonfire), 2010). Input 2.1.1Spreading of toxic gases and smokes inside and outside an enclosed point of origin (PD 7974-2) PD 7974-2 provides guidance used in evaluating the following Spreading of toxic gases and smokes inside and outside an enclosed point where the fire has originated Characteristic of the toxic gases and the smoke and an enclosed region (Office, 2006). 2.1.2 Fire spread and Structural response of fire which is beyond an enclosed point of origin (PD 7974-3:2003). PD 7974-3 provides guidance used in evaluating Severity of the fire in terms of heat flux and the temperature in an enclosed region Ability of the location of interest withstanding exposure of the fire severity 2.1.3 Fire detection and protection measures in place (PD 7974-4:2003.) PD 7974-4 gives guidance used in calculating the below aspects with respect to time Fire detection Activation of alarm and other fire protection systems like smoke vending machines, sprinklers, and rollers shutters Notification of fire A thorough review of all the systems must be conducted to ensure that the system meet the requirement presented by fire safety engineering design (British Standards, 2004). Functionality of the system must be coordinated to avoid adverse aspects by mutual interaction of different systems. 2.1.4 Method of intervention during an outbreak of fire (PD 7974-5:2002) PD 7974-5 provides guidance that can be used in evaluating the rate of fire build up prevention resources. This includes activities of the fire brigades or in-house measures. They include Time interval between the detection of fire and the time the fire service attendant arrives Time interval between arrival of fire attendants and when the fire fights start Time interval relating to building up of the required fire service resources Extent of the fire fighting resources and their capability to extinguish the fire at different times. 2.1.5 Life safety strategy for human factor evacuation of the occupants and their behaviours (PD 7974-6:2004) PD 7974-6 code provides guideline on the way response of occupants can be assessed in the event of fire including the time they take to evacuate the building. 3 ASET-RSET ASET shows the length of time that the occupants of the building have before reaching untenable conditions. It is usually defined in term of Visibility distance that is below 10m Smoke layer height that is below 2m of the floor level Smoke layer temperature, which exceed 200o C Untenable conditions usually vary between different standards. Estimation of ASET is usually done from different models. This work was found necessary after review of sections of BS7974 building code. One major outcome of this report is that complexity in buildings should be dealt with to ensure that buildings are free from harm to human beings. Fire safety in building is presented as an aspect that has raised the attention of builders and authority. The United Kingdom building code must maintain their performance on fire safety. 3.1 Ground floor escape Table 1Storey exit width and the capacity are provided from the ground floor as shown below Storey exit no Capacity Story exit width 1 14001 7000 2 220 11002 3 60 750 4 300 1500 5 370 1850 6 300 1500 The exit is about 1500mm wide, but the recess used in locating the door is flanked by columns that restrict free escape as recommended in British Standards (2004). Travel distance is as recommended by ADB for; Areas where people seat in rows providing through which a person can move in more than one direction. For plant rooms- the travel distance should be within 9m Overall travel distances should be 45 m if there is possibility of moving in more than one direction and should be 18m where there is possibility of moving in one direction only. For areas at the back of the house- the travel distance should be more than 45m if there is a possibility of moving in more than one direction and 18m when it is possible to escape using one direction only. 3.2 Upper floors escape The building has a total of seven stairs. Some stairs lead to the foyer through the gallery. Stair 2 is protected and serves the first floor, second floor and few houses and the back of the rooms. Third and fourth stairs are protected, which lead to the upper balcony leading to the second floor to the final exit which is at the ground level. Sixth and seventh the stairs connect the balcony to the gallery. Table 2 Capacities and Widths of the Stairs Stair Capacity Floors served Width 1 440 1 2200 2 280 1 1400 3 290 2 1450 4 310 2 1550 5 290 1 1450 6 360 11 1800 7 280 11 1550 Figure 1 capacity of people in relation to the stairs 3.3 Escape Facilities for Impaired Mobility Exits 1, 2 and 6 are made in such a way that they provide step-free outlet from the building. Routes through 3, 4 and 5 exits can be accessed, but they are not step free. The upper and the lower levels cannot be accessed by wheel chairs user. Thus, there is no provision to cater for the escape of people with disability from these areas. 3.4 Access of the Fire Service facilities Top storey is about 12m in height from the ground level. Every storey in this building is more than 900m2 with exception of the basement. Aggregate area of the floor is about 800m2. The building provides access to more than half the perimeter in accordance with ADB. Nevertheless, the building does not have any fire fighting shafts. Its basement is below 3m deep and does not have smoke ventilation in spite of it being more than 200m2. 4 Evacuation strategies for this building Means of Escape and warning is simultaneous on detection of fire and sounding of fire alarm. Fire detection system is linked to electrical substation and is connected to the gate adjacent to it. The building is provided with the Fire detection system, Smoke Control Systems, Portable Fire Extinguishers, Water Sprinkler Systems, Special Extinguishing Systems, and Inert gas systems (NFPA101, 2009) 4.1 Fire Alarm Systems Fire alarm provides a means by which people can be warned about an outbreak of a fire. It may be audible or visual and is provided by detection system that warns the occupants that they should begin evacuating the premises. This is a requisite in large buildings especially in apartments where the occupants may not be aware that there is an outbreak of fire. In such a building fire alarm should be responded to immediately and people should begin evacuating the building. A fire alarm system must have a system control unit, ancillary control, control circuits, remote alarm indicator, and alarm initiating device, alarm indicating device, a stand-by power supply, and an electrical power supply (NFPA101, 2009). 4.2 Smoke Control Systems Smoke control system is mainly used to reduce smoke from entering evacuation path. Mechanical ventilation should be provided to supply fresh air. Smoke has to be effectively managed in a building to ensure that it does not harm the occupants of the building. This has to be achieved by provision of smoke shafts that are in cooperated with the dampers so that the opening of the sealing are protected. There is need to ensure that the building also embraces energy efficiency. This has to be in tandem with the manner in which fuel combustion takes place. 5 Fire extinguishing techniques 5.1 Portable Fire Extinguishers This should be provided in the building for fighting small fires. This task is mainly done by building occupants, but they should only use it if they have the required training. 5.2Water Sprinkler Systems This consist distribution valves and piping connected to a water supply and an automatic sprinkler head. Water Sprinkler Systems should be used in a building to control spread of fire. 5.3Special Extinguishing Systems (NFPA101, 2009) This should be used if water sprinklers do not provide the required protection. In situations where water damage is feared, special extinguisher should be used together with the sprinkler system (NFPA101, 2009) 5.4 Inert gas systems This system uses a mixture of argon, nitrogen gas and some percentage of carbon dioxide. These gases are inert and thus reduce oxygen level extinguishing the fire. Specific aspects used in active fire protection should be applied in designing structures for adequate load bearing required for safe evacuation in case of fire limiting spread of fire (British Standards, 2004). Different function and performance level should be specified in terms of the fire resistance rating standard. Safety engineers must be used to assess active measures to ensure that construction material are per the requirement and to allow them to suggest alternative strategies that can be used to ensure that the building can withstand fire. Some supplementary requirement may include use of coating material and approved insulation and ensuring that proper maintenance is provided. BS 7974 should provide specification for analysis of structural fire design that would take into account building behaviour at elevated temperatures and the potential heat exposure. A calculation procedure should be performed in determining performance of the building in the event of fire (British Standards, 2004). These are important in demonstrating that the building and its entire component will withstand fire in real life situations. However, due to absence of data, the current procedure in United Kingdom is based on standard fire test. Active method for fire protection should be used to avoid premature collapse of the building due to fire and where the spread of fire need to be limited as noted Fire safety Engineering CIBSE Guide (2010). Principle, regulations and application pertaining to these should be provided to ensure that the masonry structure fulfil. the requirement. Application to non-load bearing and load bearing external and internal walls must satisfy separating and non-separating functions. Analysis of the building should be carried out in term of the testing structure, analysis of the part of the building and the global structure analysis. Material used in construction must have stress-strain relationship at different elevated temperatures. Method of accessing the building to ensure that it is fire resistance test is considered by testing, calculation and use of tabulated data. United Kingdom national annex should adopt calculation method as this is one way in which building can be assessed. As noted by Avillo (2002), testing is essential where there is no data that can be used in combining mortar and masonry unit. Interpreting the obtained test results should show difference in the codified test method. To assess fire resistance on the wall of the building, tabulated data in EC6 is important in understanding details related to masonry units being used, type of mortar, grouping and nature of the applied finish. The function of the wall should then be evaluated in terms of load bearing, cavity, and single leaf and on load bearing. BS 7974 makes it clear that they should be considered in reducing the fire resistance and they should be used to assess fire resistance. Therefore, different joints inside the wall and between the building walls must be designed appropriately. Fire insulating layer must have melting point of more than 1000oC and should be tightly sealed to ensure that their movements do not affect resistance to fire (British Standards, 2004). Connections between fire walls and the concrete structure must satisfy mechanical impact. They should be filled with concrete or mortar to ensure that they are properly protected against fire. 6 Conclusion In conclusion, there has been a great concern on the need of ensuring that a burning building portray the highest level of structural integrity beyond the escape means provided by the building regulations. It is a concern that is shared by the authority and the fire-fighters. This document has explained topical issues currently in the industry relating to the use of active protection measures, which are suited to performance, based on BS 7974 Code of practice for building safety approach. This can significantly minimize the effect of fire on a given building. Good management of fire measures pertaining to building and occupant safety is the key element ensuring that that the building remains resistance to fire. It is acknowledged that engineering design for life safety of a building can be maintained managed and tested. Staffs must be trained to handle incidences of fire and ensure that they are conversant with emergency plans during an outbreak of fire. The objective of fire safety measures is to protect and to limit risk of fire with respect to property, society, and neighbouring property. The construction directive gives different requirements for limiting the risk of fire. In this building construction work must be in such a way that in case of an outbreak of fire Load bearing resistance of the building can be assumed for a given period of time Occupants can evacuate the building without any harm coming to them The spread of smoke and fire within the building should be limited The building is in such ways that rescue team can access the stairways. References Avillo, A., 2002. Fire ground strategies: Fire Engineering. Tulsa, OK: PennWell.Washburn, R. 2003. Using Modeing and Simuklation to Graphically Display the Interaction of Fire and the Extinguishing Agent. Ft Belvoir: Defense techical Information Centre. British Standards, 2004. PD7974-6:2004 The application of fire safety engineering principles to fire safety design of buildings Part 6: Humanfactors: Life Safety strategies – Occupant evacuation, behaviour and condition. Ferguson, A., 2006. BS7974 and the International Fire Engineering Guidelines. London: Arup Fire Ove Arup & Partners Ltd . Fire Safety Engineering CIBSE Guide, 2010. London: Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers. Law, S, and Gillie, M., 2011. "Structural engineering and fire dynamics: Advances at the interface." fire safety science. 10(2), pp.1563-1576. MacCollum, V., and Richard, H., 2005. Building design and construction hazards. Tucson, Az.: Lawyers & Judges Pub. NFPA101, 2009. Life Safety Code, 2009 Edition. National Fire Protection Association. Office, T. S., 2006. The Building Regulations 2000: Approved Document: B “Fire safety” 2002 ed. (incorporating 2000 and 2002 amendments). Sabaei, S., 2006. Fire engineering: Prevention, protection and suppression of building fires. New York: Wiley. Technical specification, 2006. Fire safety engineering: Selection of design fire scenarios and design fires. Geneva: International Organization for Standardization. Appendix Escape routes 1-6 Read More