Fire Security For Architects

For an architect, one of the aspects in designing a building is to comply it with fire regulations. Architectural design is a very complex process and requires many design aspects which need to be considered. By nature, architectural design is ‘vague’ and ‘ill-defined’ during the early stage of design process. The study shows that it is better for the architect to consider the fire regulations during the early design stage so that the design follows the rules. However, the study also shows that many architects will only consider fire regulations requirements after the design has been completed. This is due to the nature of the fire regulations and the design itself which are too complex. Many design problems arise from the non-conformance of the rules. Therefore, fire regulations need to be considered as early as possible.

The Regulations consider 5 aspects of fire safety in the construction of buildings. Other aspects such as the management of a premises may be dealt with under different legislation. The 5 aspects are:

(1) that sufficient provisions are made in design of the building that in the event of fire the occupants can escape to a place of safety by their own efforts;

(2) that the internal linings of a building do not support a rapid spread of fire;

(3) that the structure of the building should not collapse prematurely and should slow the spread of fire through the building and in unseen cavities and voids by providing fire resisting walls and partitions where necessary;

(4) that the spread of fire between buildings be discouraged by spacing them apart sufficiently and controlling the number and size of openings on boundaries;

(5) that the building is designed in such a way to aid the fire brigade fight fire and effect rescue of persons caught in a fire.