While the drive to improve efficiency in the built environment often focuses on the design and construction stages of a building’s life, what comes after handover is just as important- especially when it comes to fire safety longevity
There is more to ensuring fire safety longevity in our building stock than just the normal process of maintenance and upgrades. Reducing the operational carbon of buildings is a key element of the UK’s net zero targets, and the corresponding challenge to retrofit our existing buildings is pressing.
In the UK, we need to retrofit more than 16m homes to meet net-zero obligations. Meanwhile, more than 70% of non-domestic buildings were built before 2000; the majority will have to undergo some form of retrofit before 2050 to make net zero a reality.
There is also a compliance element. Since the introduction of the Building Safety Act, there have been additional responsibilities when it comes to understanding and maintaining data about properties.
Using technology to help
There is a range of construction software available that can help asset owners to manage and maintain their buildings. Whether looking into retrofit options, upgrading assets or carrying out normal maintenance, technology can make the process more efficient and improve value.
Take facilities management, for example. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that a building is safe and secure, is comfortable to live or work in, and remains fit for purpose.
Moreover, a well-maintained building will retain its value and appeal, whereas one that is left to deteriorate can quickly become a costly problem.
For facilities managers, real-time data on the status of servicing and repairs, and the expected lifecycle of plant, systems, fixtures and fittings, can make for a much more efficient asset management process.
This can be done through live, searchable operations and maintenance manuals, making information much more accessible to everyone in the project team.
Ensuring regulatory compliance
There are strict regulations in the UK to ensure that our buildings are safe. For example, the Fire Safety Order (2005) states that regular fire risk assessments must be carried out on buildings and that written records must be kept where five people or more are living or working there.
A tool like Bluebeam Revu makes this really simple; floorplans can be easily marked up with fire safety comments, and critical elements such as exit signage, access and egress points, extinguisher placements, and detection requirements can be highlighted.
A similar principle applies to other activities that require an assessment of building plans, whether desk-based or by visiting the site. For the latter, the ability to annotate and update the original plans with photos and commentary collected in the field allows asset owners to easily compare the design with the existing building records and the on-site reality.
This can help asset owners to address new legislation, such as the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which came into force on 1 April 2023. This makes it unlawful to lease properties with an EPC rating of F or G and will create a new pipeline of work for those with old, inefficient building stock.
For asset owners who want to take a more holistic view, these same tools can be used by a retrofit coordinator to review building plans, mark-up potential areas of improvement and track works.
James Chambers, director of global industry development for the build and construct division at Nemetschek Group, said: “While adopting new technologies can be daunting for many businesses, there are some really simple, low-cost and effective tools available that can make it much easier for asset owners to understand their buildings and keep an eye on maintenance and improvement works.
“more than 70% of non-domestic buildings were built before 2000; the majority will have to undergo some form of retrofit before 2050 to make net zero a reality.”
“It’s more essential than ever that owners really understand the status of their buildings and are making sure that they have compliant, efficient and quality assets.”
“It’s more essential than ever that owners really understand the status of their buildings and are making sure that they have compliant, efficient and quality assets.”
Leading the way in fire safety longevity with Bluebeam Revu
OFR Consultants specialise in fire safety services with a portfolio that spans major commercial developments, visitor attractions, public sector facilities and sports stadia around the UK.
They use Bluebeam Revu throughout their consulting services, from fire strategy and construction advice to modelling, fire safety and post-occupancy evaluation. OFR identified Revu as the ideal user-friendly PDF markup tool thanks to its range of practical tools and the ability to work seamlessly in a remote working environment.
A solution for the fire safety industry
The role of a fire engineer is to ensure compliance with legislation and ultimately protect people and property from the devastating effects of fire.
Tom Bentley, associate director at OFR, has used Revu for around 10 years and argues that it should be the ‘go-to’ tool for any fire safety consultancy.
“There are rules within fire safety for the width of doors and corridors, and how many people might be evacuating the building,” explains Tom.
“We use Revu’s Measure tool to enable us to calculate travel distances or use a customised perimeter tool in Toolset. It allows us to easily determine room areas with the area tool or use the dynamic fill tool to show complex shapes.”
Achieving compliance
Another important requirement in fire safety is compartmentation. Any building must be constructed to prevent the spread of fire from one part to another. Floors, walls and doors provide fire resistance, and there are strict rules governing the length of time these elements must resist fire. This is where custom tool sets come in useful.
“We can show walls with customised coloured line types from a toolset and add symbols for doors”, says Tom.
“Other mark-ups from toolsets might be exit signage, fire brigade access, firefighting equipment, extinguishers and detection requirements.”
Tom concludes: “Anyone pushing to improve their digital capabilities should use Revu. It is helping OFR to stay ahead of the game, providing an efficient tool with a huge selection of time-saving and efficiency features.
Find out how construction software can help you manage and maintain your buildings by clicking here.
Bluebeam
Tel: +44 (0) 203 868 9061
sales.uk@bluebeam.com
www.bluebeam.co.uk
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