“FLS experts fulfil a crucial role in advancing building safety and ensuring long-term resilience against fire risks.”

Over the past decade, the Fire and Life Safety (FLS) industry has experienced continuous and steady growth, closely linked to the construction industry’s expansion in various countries and a rising global consciousness about safety. Governments worldwide are emphasising the critical need for proper fire and life safety measures in all buildings, both new and existing. They are actively partnering with established safety organisations to craft and refine fire and life safety standards, aiming to eradicate deaths, injuries, and financial losses caused by fire and related perils.

Amidst this progress, a technological revolution is transforming all sectors, with building designs, uses, and material specifications evolving to yield more innovative and high-tech structures. The duty of FLS professionals is to constantly update their knowledge on emerging technologies, tackle the potential challenges they present, and design risk mitigation solutions to ensure safety.

A key element that is often neglected in FLS strategy is the importance of incorporating risk mitigation at the early design stages. The advent of new technologies and materials for construction—sought after for their sustainability, cost-effectiveness, or durability—has made it imperative to focus on setting early, efficient risk mitigation strategies. Effective risk mitigation leads to a coherent FLS strategy, minimising the likelihood and impact of fire incidents.

Mitigating risks effectively requires recognising potential hazards from the inception of a building’s design, ensuring compliance with safety regulations throughout its development. Building a robust foundation for risk identification with codes and standards, enriched by industry experience and historical insights, is essential.

Acknowledging risks is the subsequent step, enabling professionals to foresee the outcomes of risks and plan for their avoidance. This may include altering design plans, selecting alternative materials, or eliminating certain hazards altogether to reduce risks to safe levels.

When avoidance is impractical, attention shifts to developing alternative engineering methods that may not eliminate, but can significantly reduce risks, facilitating safe evacuation and protecting property from severe damage. Additionally, ‘buffering’ serves as a mitigation method where FLS designers implement physical barriers, like fire-rated walls, or enhance active fire protection systems to provide an added layer of safety.

The use of compartmentation is also prevalent, serving as a cost-effective strategy that does not compromise the project’s adaptability. This strategy of segmentation aids in containing potential fires to limited areas, thereby offering a controlled response to emergencies.

Risk mitigation is an integral part of an effective FLS design strategy. It starts with a thorough risk assessment and culminates in the implementation of a safety plan that significantly elevates the building’s safety profile by improving protections for people and property. Proactive involvement of highly qualified personnel to devise a comprehensive FLS strategy at the design stage can dramatically affect the project’s success, from inception through execution to its functional lifespan. By adopting thorough prevention measures, FLS experts fulfil a crucial role in advancing building safety and ensuring long-term resilience against fire risks.

About the Influencer

Sawsan Dahham, SIENA CEO and fire safety authority, boasts 17 years in FLS strategy and business management. An NFPA instructor and renowned speaker, she leverages vast experience from past leadership at Dar Al Handasah, impacting significant projects globally.

This article was originally published in the December2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.