Project: Review and findings: A Review of Part B of the Building Regulations

Welcome to the review of Part B of the Building Regulations. BRE was appointed by CLG (formerly ODPM) to support a review of Part B (Fire safety) of the Building Regulations.  CLG published their consultation paper in July 2005 and the consultation ended on 18 November in the same year.  Around 240 formal responses to … Continue reading “Project: Review and findings: A Review of Part B of the Building Regulations”

Project: Fires In Enclosed Car Parks

A project for Communities and Local Government Sustainable Buildings Division Fires in car parks are fortunately quite rare, but, although there have been few deaths or injuries recorded to date in the UK, there are concerns regarding new and emerging risks from modern cars and alternative fuels. It is essential that the Building Regulations (via Approved … Continue reading “Project: Fires In Enclosed Car Parks”

A series of experiments to assess the effect of fire on a selection of electrical cable supports and fixings

BRE Global carries out fire investigation activities on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). An important element of this contract with DCLG is to ensure that findings from fire investigations are made available to the fire community, and other stakeholders. In addition to the continued investigative work carried out by BRE … Continue reading “A series of experiments to assess the effect of fire on a selection of electrical cable supports and fixings”

Fire compartmentation in roof voids

Fire and smoke spread in concealed spaces within buildings can present both a life risk to occupants and fire-fighters, and cause widespread damage with extensive, difficult, and expensive clean-up and re-instatement.  Indeed, in some cases, smoke deposits (and their resulting odour) can never be adequately removed and buildings have had to be demolished. One such … Continue reading “Fire compartmentation in roof voids”

London Fire Brigade and BRE have published new guidance for assessing and identifying vulnerable people

In response, London Fire Brigade and BRE have published new guidance for assessing and identifying ‘priority’ people whose level of fire risk warrants additional measures such as a PPS (Personal Protection System). PPS are an automatic fire suppression device, designed to protect against specific fire risks in a domestic environment. It automatically activates over a … Continue reading “London Fire Brigade and BRE have published new guidance for assessing and identifying vulnerable people”

Heat release and smoke production from burning Mobility Scooters

Ensuring fire safety for the residents of care homes and sheltered accommodation for the elderly is one of the biggest challenges facing the fire safety community in the coming decades.   The need to maintain fire safety provisions in such buildings often conflicts with the every-day life of the occupants. But, as well as the potential … Continue reading “Heat release and smoke production from burning Mobility Scooters”

External Fire Spread

BRE Global has been awarded a contract by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to continue fire investigation activities on behalf of DCLG until 2018.  An important element of this contract is to ensure that findings from fire investigations are made available to the fire community, and other stakeholders. The articles below addresses … Continue reading “External Fire Spread”

Fire safety issues with Balconies

Many dwellings, especially high-rise dwellings or blocks of flats, are now provided with a balcony.  With high demand for housing and limited space, there is likely to be a continued increase in high-rise developments.  As such, balconies are considered an important amenity in modern living. Indications are that fires on balconies are increasing. Download the … Continue reading “Fire safety issues with Balconies”