Fire Safety Consultancy
Fire Strategies & Fire Engineering Design Support
RSCP Engineering & Consultancy provides fire strategy development and design-stage fire safety support for new build, refurbishment, conversion, and existing building projects, helping teams progress their designs and compliance with confidence.
This service covers the preparation of fire strategy reports together with broader fire engineering input as the design develops. It is intended for projects that need a clear fire safety framework, ongoing technical coordination or review of evolving proposals.
Service Overview
Fire strategies and design-stage fire engineering input provide the framework for addressing fire safety within a project. The service helps align means of escape, compartmentation, detection, smoke control, firefighting facilities and wider fire safety principles with the proposed design and use of the building.
When You May Need This Service
You may need this service where a project requires a fire strategy to support design development, approval, coordination or change control. It is also suitable where an existing building needs a retrospective fire strategy, or where fire safety issues need to be reviewed as the scheme progresses through the design stages.
Regulatory Context
Fire safety design requirements differ across the UK. In England and Wales, projects are typically assessed against Building Regulations fire safety requirements and the relevant Approved Document B guidance. In Scotland, fire safety design is considered under the Building (Scotland) Regulations and the Scottish Technical Handbooks. In Northern Ireland, fire safety design is considered under the relevant Building Regulations provisions and Technical Booklet E. Project-specific advice should always align with the applicable jurisdiction, building type and approval route.
Scope of Service
- Fire Strategy Reports
- Retrospective fire strategies
- Means of escape strategy
- Compartmentation principles
- Internal and external fire spread considerations
- Alarm and detection philosophy
- Smoke control and ventilation strategy input
- Firefighting access and facilities
- Evacuation strategy principles
- Design-stage technical review
- Coordination with the wider project team
- Review of design changes from a fire safety perspective
Deliverables
- Fire Strategy Report
- Retrospective Fire Strategy Report
- Technical fire safety notes
- Design review comments
- Coordination responses to project queries
Who This Service Is For
- Residential developments
- Mixed-use buildings
- Commercial refurbishments and fit-outs
- Conversions and change-of-use schemes
- Existing buildings undergoing alteration
- Care and specialist accommodation projects
How RSCP Engineering & Consultancy Adds Value
We provide fire strategy support that is technically robust without losing sight of buildability, coordination and commercial reality. Our input is intended to help the wider team understand the key fire safety issues and address them clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fire strategy report?
A fire strategy report sets out the fire safety principles for a building or project, including matters such as escape, compartmentation, alarm strategy, smoke control and firefighting access.
When does a project need a fire strategy?
A project may need a fire strategy in which fire safety matters are clearly defined to support design development, Building Regulations compliance, or wider team coordination.
What is the difference between a fire strategy and a fire risk assessment?
A fire strategy is typically design-stage and project focused. A fire risk assessment generally concerns the fire safety risks and management arrangements in an existing or occupied premises.
Can you support a project through all RIBA stages?
Yes. We can provide fire safety input from early concept through to later technical design stages.
Can the service include review of design changes during the project?
Yes. We can review existing buildings and prepare retrospective fire strategy documentation where required.
Do you prepare retrospective fire strategies?
Yes. We can review existing buildings and prepare retrospective fire strategy documentation where required.
Who typically appoints you for this service?
This service is commonly commissioned by developers, architects, contractors, project managers, landlords and building owners who need coordinated fire safety input.
Can this service support refurbishment and change-of-use schemes as well as new build?
Yes. The service is suitable for both new projects and existing buildings undergoing alteration, refurbishment, fit-out or change of use.
RSCP Engineering & Consultancy is an independent consultancy bringing together expertise in fire safety, health & safety, and commercial project support.
RSCP Engineering & Consultancy Ltd. Registered in England and Wales under Company No. 09386967. Registered Office: Vision Offices, Saxon House, 27 Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1HT.
Contact Info
Vision Offices, Saxon House, 27 Duke Street
Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT