High profile fires like the one at Lakanal House in Camberwell in 2009, re-emphasise the fundamental importance of fire safety measures. This programme takes a look at principles of fire safety, along with common problems and solutions, but with a particular emphasis on passive fire protection that works through the compartmentation of buildings. General rules for compartmentation locations are covered, along with the issue of services penetrations – where inadequate detailing, finishing and maintenance can help fires spread. The programme also explores the fire resistance of particular materials (concrete, steel and timber), design problems that compromise fire safety in buildings (as identified in BS 9999 'Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings') and explains the information and action required of duty holders to ensure fire safety (as stated in the Building Regulations 16B, which is part of Approved Document B).

About the contributor

Wilf Butcher is Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).

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