GUEST ARTICLE: Beyond Compliance – Revolutionising Fire Safety in Commercial Buildings

In the wake of tragic fire incidents like the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017, the commercial construction industry finds itself at a crossroads. Allan Wood, Managing Director at Optima Systems, writes the following article…

While strides have been made in fire safety regulations, a troubling gap persists between technical compliance and real-world effectiveness. From my position at Optima Systems, a leading provider of commercial partitioning solutions, I feel compelled to address this critical issue that affects the safety of countless individuals in commercial spaces.

The Compliance Conundrum

Our industry faces a significant challenge: fire safety test evidence often fails to account for the complexities of actual building designs. For example, a fire door might pass standard tests when installed in a controlled environment, but these tests rarely consider the myriad of real-world variables. The door’s interaction with surrounding materials, additional hardware, or even the specific composition of the wall it’s attached to can significantly alter its performance in a fire scenario. This discrepancy between testing and reality creates a dangerous illusion of safety.

Bridging the Expertise Gap

A widespread lack of understanding regarding fire safety certifications compounds this problem. Many industry professionals, from architects to contractors, may not fully comprehend that a test certificate is only valid if it accurately represents the specific application. This knowledge gap can lead to critical oversights in the construction process, potentially compromising the safety of building occupants.

To address this issue, we must prioritise education and awareness. The industry needs to empower professionals with the knowledge to interpret fire safety evidence correctly and make informed decisions. Relying solely on manufacturers’ claims without a thorough understanding of the underlying principles is no longer acceptable.

Charting a Path Forward

While challenges exist, solutions are within our reach. Yes, they may come at a higher cost, but can we really put a price on human life? Here are key considerations for stakeholders in commercial construction:

1) Application Accuracy: Ensure that fire safety systems have been tested and certified for your specific design context. If your application differs from the tested scenarios, additional testing or modifications may be necessary.

2) Certification Clarity: Demand clear, unambiguous certifications from manufacturers that address your project’s unique requirements. Vague or generalised certifications can lead to misinterpretation and compromised safety.

3) Expert Involvement: Verify the fire safety qualifications of your design team. Do they possess the expertise to properly interpret fire testing evidence and make sound decisions?

By focusing on these areas, we can drive the industry towards higher standards and greater accountability.

At Optima Systems, we’ve made significant investments in comprehensive fire testing that considers the full spectrum of building design and usage. We’ve also developed a RIBA-approved CPD programme focusing on the specification of fully glazed fire doors and partitions. These initiatives underscore our commitment to thorough fire safety practices.

A Call to Action

Fire safety in commercial buildings transcends mere regulatory compliance; it’s about safeguarding lives and assets. By closing the gap between testing protocols and real-world applications, we can ensure that every commercial space offers the highest level of protection possible.

Let’s champion clarity, simplicity, and diligence in our approach to fire safety. It’s time for the commercial construction industry to lead the charge in creating truly fire-safe environments, preventing future tragedies, and setting new standards for building safety.