Building code consulting & fire strategy

To provide an adequate level of fire life safety (FLS) in the design of any building, structure or facility; an optimum approach to compliance with the building code is crucial.
Vortex Fire conducts plan reviews to confirm compliance with the various building codes and standards. A poorly developed fire safety strategy can lead to non-compliance, abortive works and over design, which can be detrimental to any project.

A fire safety strategy is a combination of fire safety measures encompassing fire prevention, management of fire safety and fire protection that has been shown by reference to prescriptive codes and/or performance-based design to be capable of satisfying the agreed fire safety objectives specific to a project.

Fire safety strategies are commonly developed during the design phase for a new development or refurbishment project. They provide an overarching document setting out the fundamental requirements that provide the focus for subsequent, more detailed specifications. A fire safety strategy provides building owners, occupiers, and facility managers with relevant information from which to develop and implement effective prevention and protection solutions.

FLS Strategy Objectives

Typically, a fire safety strategy will outline:

  • Fire safety objectives
  • Design criteria including applicable codes and standards
  • Building and occupancy classification
  • Fire service provisions
  • Fire compartmentation, structural fire resistance and external fire spread
  • Means of egress
  • Fire protection systems
  • Smoke management systems
  • Construction quality assurance
  • Fire safety during construction
  • Fire safety management

The fire safety strategy will include the extent of any performance-based design and fire engineering analysis that had been adopted, such as fire modelling, evacuation modelling, structural fire engineering or radiation analyses. It also includes control measures to confirm on-going maintenance is put in place, and that the strategy remains effective for the life of the building.

At Vortex Fire, we ensure the fire safety strategy is appropriate for the project in line with our company values: Safe, Smart and Sustainable.

We have an in-depth understanding and proven experience with the application of local and international building codes and standards, which include:

  • Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC)
  • Alberta Building Code
  • British Columbia Building Code
  • GCC Building Code
  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • International Fire Code (IFC)
  • National Building Code of India
  • National Building Code of Canada
  • National Construction Code (NCC) of Australia
  • NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code
  • NFPA 5000 – Building Construction and Safety Code
  • Ontario Building Code
  • Qatar Fire Safety Standards
  • Saudi Building Code (SBC)
  • UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice

For more information on how we can support you, please contact us.

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