Fire Protection Engineering Services
Fire Hazards Analysis (FHA)
A Fire Hazards Analysis is a comprehensive assessment of the hazards of, and potential damage from, fire in a building, system, or process. This analysis is required for all new unique buildings and is typically re-evaluated every three years after the building is complete.
Our fire protection engineers are trained and qualified on the development of FHAs and have extensive experience with Department of Energy (DOE) facilities.
By working closely with our clients to understand their needs, we are able to efficiently and accurately tailor each fire hazards analysis for accuracy, relevance, and usefulness.
A fire hazards analysis report typically covers a range of topics related to fire safety in a building or facility. Some of the common topics that may be included in a fire hazards analysis report are:
- Building layout and design: This includes evaluating the building's overall layout, floor plans, compartments, and the arrangement of fire protection systems.
- Fire detection and alarm systems: Assessing the effectiveness and suitability of the fire detection and alarm systems installed in the building, including the type of detectors, coverage areas, and alarm notification methods.
- Fire suppression systems: Evaluating the design, functionality, and maintenance of water-based fire suppression systems, gaseous fire suppression systems, and fire extinguishers.
- Means of egress: Analyzing the adequacy of escape routes, emergency exits, stairways, and other means of egress for safe evacuation in the event of a fire.
- Fire compartmentation: Assessing the fire resistance of walls, floors, and doors to determine proper fire compartmentation and prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
- Hazardous materials and storage: Identifying and evaluating any hazardous materials present in the building, their storage arrangements, and ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place.
- Emergency response procedures: Reviewing the building's emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and coordination with local fire departments and emergency services.
- Fire protection program and training: Assessing the fire protection program and training program to ensure fire safety controls are being maintained.
It's important to note that the specific topics covered in a fire hazards analysis report may vary depending on the scope and purpose of the assessment, as well as local regulations and standards.
Code Compliance Evaluations
A Code Compliance Evaluation is a subset of Hazard Analysis and Fire Protection Assessment where we review the applicable fire protection codes and standards to determine where there is compliance as well as non-compliances in your project, system, and/or process. The resulting report provides recommendations to rectify any non-compliances.
When performing an evaluation, we systematically identify any and all fire hazards. Once identified, each hazard is assessed to determine effective control measures, and how to monitor those that are critical for safety.
A code compliance evaluation and hazard analysis can often be completed at the same time.