Igniting Change: Enhancing fire safety standards in commercial construction

‘Let’s advocate for clarity, simplicity, and diligence’: Allan Wood, Managing Director at Optima Systems, looks at fire safety standards in commercial construction

The Grenfell Tower tragedy of 2017 should have been a watershed moment for the entire construction industry, not just for residential buildings but for commercial properties as well.

Yet, there remains a concerning trend where compliance with fire safety tests doesn’t always reflect real-world conditions.

From my position at Optima Systems, a leader in commercial partitioning systems, I am compelled to speak out on the critical importance of ensuring that fire safety measures are not just technically compliant but also practical and effective.

The Illusion of Safety

From what I’ve observed, there is a concerning practice within the industry where fire safety test evidence, while meeting technical compliance, often fails to address real-world applications effectively.

For instance, while a standard might dictate testing a fire door within a steel frame, the reality in construction could involve more complex structures that aren’t adequately covered by these tests.

Perhaps the wall to which the door is attached is covered in a certain material, or a closing mechanism has been added to the door.

The fire door’s interaction with these elements has not been observed, therefore this discrepancy in the testing process can lead to a false sense of security and poses significant risks in the event of an actual fire incident.

Closing the Knowledge Gap

One of the industry’s greatest challenges lies in the widespread misunderstanding surrounding fire safety certifications.

Many stakeholders, including architects and contractors, may not fully grasp that a test certificate’s validity hinges on whether it accurately represents the intended application.

It is crucial that we, as an industry, take proactive steps to bridge the knowledge gap and equip professionals with the education required to make informed decision about fire safety.

Relying solely on manufacturers’ claims without fully understanding the potential risk can lead to significant safety oversights during construction.

Solutions and Responsibility

The good news is that solutions exist. They may be costlier, but what price do you put on a human life? Ensuring safety should be a non-negotiable priority.

Here are some key questions asset owners, contractors, and specifiers should ask to ensure they are not compromising on fire safety:

Does your test match your real-life design?

Have the fire safety systems been tested and certified within the specific context of the project? If your design deviates from the tested parameters, additional testing or modifications may be necessary to guarantee safety.

What does the fire test evidence say?

Ensure that manufacturers provide certifications that specifically cover your project’s unique requirements. Ambiguities in certification can lead to misunderstandings and compromised safety.

What qualifications do the designers and architects involved in the project have concerning fire safety?

Do they have the competencies to properly interpret fire testing evidence and make informed decisions?

Enhancing fire safety standards

By seeking answers to these questions, we can push the industry towards higher standards and greater accountability.

Optima Systems has invested heavily in doing the right thing—conducting comprehensive fire tests that consider all aspects of a building’s design and use, and offering a RIBA-approved CPD covering specifying fully glazed fire doors & partitions.

We need to emphasise the importance of thorough fire testing for the safety and well-being of building occupants.

Fire safety in commercial construction is not just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about protecting lives and assets.

By bridging the gap between testing protocols and real-world applications, we can ensure that every building is as safe as possible.

Let’s advocate for clarity, simplicity, and diligence in fire safety practices to prevent future tragedies.