Performance Criteria
Certifiers shall satisfy themselves that there has been adequate enquiry regarding the provisions, including fire protection, specified to ensure adequate performance of the structure in a fire.
Background
The Bye-laws require that a building must be designed so that in the event of fire its stability is maintained for a reasonable period.
Certifiers are not required to certify that the requirement has been achieved as that is outside the scope of the scheme; however, Certifiers must satisfy themselves that there has been adequate enquiry regarding the provisions, including fire protection, specified to ensure adequate performance of the structure in a fire.
Guidance
The Certifier must be satisfied that there has been adequate communication between the members of the design team to ensure that an adequate level and scope of fire protection to the structure is delivered.
It is important that there is evidence of communication between the structural designer and the specifier of the structural fire protection system regarding the fire resistance and protection of the structure.
The Certifier must see that any effect the specified level of fire protection has on the design and specification of the structure has been considered, e.g. cover to reinforcement, weight of fire protection materials, etc.
Fire protection provision should be considered for all buildings such as complex domestic houses, flatted developments and larger buildings. Where steelwork is detailed within a Risk Group 1A building adequate enquiry on the level fire protection requirements should be made.
Examples of Major Non-conformances
Absence of evidence to show that there has been adequate enquiry to establish the provisions required to ensure an adequate level of performance of the structure in a fire.
Examples of Improvement Issues
Insufficient evidence to show that there has been adequate enquiry to establish the provisions required to ensure an adequate level of performance of the structure in a fire.
October 2016
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