Fire Engineering

Innovating Fire Safety, Building for the Future.

Future of Fire Safety

At Osborn Associates, we believe that successful fire engineering goes beyond technical solutions—it’s about making a positive and lasting impact on the safety and well-being of the people and communities we serve. We understand the importance of designing systems that not only meet compliance requirements but also enhance the overall protection of buildings and their occupants.

Our approach is guided by two essential principles: Innovation and Responsibility. Through these, we create fire engineering solutions that are not only effective but also forward-thinking, sustainable, and aligned with the unique needs of each project. We recognize that our responsibility extends beyond simply providing solutions—we’re shaping the future of fire safety, one project at a time.

We utilize advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) smoke modelling to simulate realistic fire scenarios, assess risk zones, and optimize safety measures. This technology helps us design effective fire protection systems that not only protect occupants but also comply with local regulations and industry standards.

Through comprehensive fire audits, we provide actionable insights that enhance compliance with fire safety standards. By collaborating closely with developers, architects, and local authorities, we deliver seamless, code-compliant solutions that ensure long-term resilience and optimal building performance.

About Us

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Core Services

We offer expert fire engineering solutions that ensure safety, compliance, and performance at every stage of your project, whether it’s a small-scale development or a large, complex undertaking. Our tailored approach meets the unique needs of each project, delivering reliable and effective results.

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Fire Risk Assessments

Comprehensive evaluations of potential fire hazards to ensure safety at every stage of the project.

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Fire Engineered Solutions

Tailored solutions that align with building requirements, offering the highest protection standards.

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CFD Smoke Modelling

Advanced computational tools to predict smoke movement and ensure optimal smoke control strategies.

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Smoke Ventilation & Control

Designing systems to ensure effective smoke removal and provide clear escape routes during a fire emergency.

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Passive Fire Systems

Strategic fire-resistance design to contain fires and protect escape routes.

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Building Fire Strategy Formulation

A comprehensive, integrated approach to fire safety across all stages of building development.

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Means of Escape Advice

Expert guidance to design safe, accessible, and compliant escape routes for occupants.

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Expert Witness Services

Providing expert testimony in legal or regulatory matters related to fire safety.

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Risk Management

Comprehensive strategies to manage fire-related risks and enhance overall building resilience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fire Engineering, and why is it important?

Fire engineering is a performance-based approach to fire safety that applies engineering principles to assess, design and justify fire safety measures within a building. It is typically required where prescriptive guidance cannot be followed, or where a more flexible, efficient design solution is needed.

How does fire engineering differ from standard fire safety design?

Unlike prescriptive fire safety design, fire engineering allows solutions to be tailored to the specific building, use and risk profile. This approach can provide greater design flexibility while still meeting life safety and regulatory requirements.

Do fire engineered solutions comply with UK Building Regulations?

Yes. Fire engineered solutions are developed in accordance with UK Building Regulations and relevant British Standards. All strategies are supported by clear technical justification for review by building control bodies and approving authorities.

When should a fire engineer be appointed on a project?

A fire engineer should ideally be appointed at the early design stage. Early involvement allows fire safety considerations to be integrated into architectural and MEP design, reducing redesign, delays and unnecessary construction costs later in the project.

Can fire engineering help reduce construction costs?

In many cases, yes. By adopting a performance-based approach, fire engineering can remove the need for overly conservative prescriptive measures, resulting in more efficient layouts, reduced material requirements and improved buildability.

Will a fire engineer liaise with building control and approving authorities?

Yes. As part of the fire engineering service, we regularly liaise with building control bodies, fire authorities and other approving stakeholders to support the review and approval of fire strategies. Clear technical justification and collaborative engagement help streamline approvals and reduce the risk of delays during design and construction.

What types of buildings typically require fire engineering input?

Fire engineering is commonly required for complex or non-standard buildings such as high-rise residential developments, commercial offices, mixed-use schemes, industrial facilities and buildings with large or unusual occupancy profiles. It is particularly valuable where prescriptive guidance does not adequately address the design intent.

Can fire engineering support alternative or innovative building designs?

Yes. Fire engineering enables alternative design solutions to be assessed using performance-based methods. This allows innovative architectural layouts or construction methods to be developed while maintaining compliance with life safety and regulatory requirements.

What deliverables are typically provided as part of a fire engineering service?

Fire engineering services typically include fire strategies, technical reports, CFD smoke modelling outputs where required, design reviews and construction-stage support. Deliverables are tailored to the project scope and approval requirements.