Specialised fire safety design solutions from Core Fire Safety Ltd
Core Fire Safety in Kapiti is a locally owned and operated business led by Grant Haggett. With our small team, we bring a personalised touch to creating comprehensive and compliant fire safety plans for customers New Zealand wide.
Grant's diverse background spans various roles, from his experience in the construction industry as a detailer and residential quantity surveyor, to his years as an architectural technician and 15 years as a fire safety specialist. This, combined with his fire safety qualifications, has meant Grant has a thorough understanding of every aspect of fire safety design. Core Fire Safety Ltd specialises not only in fire safety design, but also evacuation schemes, accessibility reporting, and Compliance Scheduling Auditing, and our expertise ensures a practical and knowledgeable approach to fire safety planning.
Contact us to discuss your fire safety requirements.
Our Services
Fire Safety Design
Understanding the New Zealand fire safety clauses for a building, as outlined in clauses C1-C6, D1, and F6-F8, is fundamental when crafting a comprehensive fire safety design. These clauses serve as the foundational guidelines that must be adhered to when developing a fire safety plan.Fire Safety Design
In the New Zealand Building Code clauses for buildings, clauses C1-C6 encompass fundamental requirements. C1 focuses on fire safety objectives and functional requirements, while C2 emphasises means of escape. C3 addresses the spread of fire e.g. effects on external walls and boundaries, C4 covers movement to a place of safety, C5 pertains to access and facilities for firefighting, and C6 focuses on structural stability during fire.
Clause D1 concerns access and is focused on safe entry and exit to a building and the safety of internal and external stairs. Access requirements can include slip resistance, stair treads, handrails etc and looks at whether people with disabilities can easily access and exit the building too, as well as vehicle movement, loading and parking.
Clauses F6-F8 focuses on specific signage requirements, emergency lighting, fire alarms etc and are part of the comprehensive and stringent regulations aimed at ensuring robust fire safety measures within New Zealand buildings.
By considering and implementing these clauses, a fire safety design can effectively address potential risks, safeguard occupants, protect property, and ensure the business premises meet or exceed the necessary safety protocols legislated in the New Zealand Building code and cited fire safety performance standards.
Core Fire Safety Ltd is experienced with ensuring existing buildings' fire safety plan complies with regulations and we can provide design advice for new buildings in the planning or construction phase.
Fire Evacuation Schemes
An evacuation procedure describes how occupants will escape to a place of safety if there is a fire, or an alarm of fire. If it's an existing building, Core Fire Safety Ltd discusses with the building owners/managers what fire evacuation processes are currently in place and can make a plan to ensure regulations are being complied with. If it's a new building, we can create a full evacuation scheme.If a building is classified as being 'relevant' to Fire and Emergency NZ, then the building owner must also provide and maintain an approved evacuation scheme. A "relevant building" is a building where 100 or more people can gather together, where 10 or more people work, where six or more people sleep, unless there are three or fewer households, where certain levels of hazardous substances are stored, or the building is used for early childhood, medical, and disabled care services, unless the building is a normal home. It also includes prisons and holding cells.
An evacuation scheme has to be assessed and approved by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ), and needs to include:
- the building’s evacuation procedure
- copies of fire action signs and notices
- description of the building’s firefighting equipment (if applicable)
- details of the places of safety, where they are located, and how they are reached
- description of the building’s automatic sprinkler systems (if applicable)
- description of the building’s fire alarm/means of warning occupants of a fire
- description of the building’s provision for people requiring particular assistance
- a plan for the regular maintenance of the evacuation scheme by either trial evacuations or training. It's important building occupants understand the evacuation plan and can take action in an emergency.
As well as complying with NZ fire safety and building code regulations, an approved evacuation plan provides your tenants with protection that in the event of a fire they have a swift and safe way to evacuate the building.
Accessibility Reports
An Accessibility Report assesses whether buildings comply with regulations that cater to the needs of all individuals, particularly focusing on accessibility for people with disabilities. This comprehensive assessment evaluates various aspects of a building's design and facilities. It examines fundamental elements such as door widths to allow easy passage for wheelchairs or mobility aids, appropriate room spacing, suitable bathrooms, and general living areas that accommodate different needs.Accessibility Reports
Within the context of fire safety regulations in New Zealand, an Accessibility Report addresses specific clauses and requirements that align with ensuring the safety and accessibility of buildings, especially during emergencies. For instance, clauses within the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) such as D1-D2 outline the provisions for accessible routes and facilities for individuals with disabilities. The Accessibility Report ensures compliance with these clauses, contributing significantly to fire safety by enabling safe evacuation for all occupants, including those with disabilities or mobility challenges.
Additionally, the Accessibility Report covers relevant aspects outlined in clauses G1-5 and G12, but clause G5 directly addresses fire safety measures. G5 focusses on the need for habitable spaces with adequate room for activities and controlled internal temperatures. These considerations are essential not only for everyday use but also during fire emergencies, ensuring that spaces remain accessible and comfortable for evacuation purposes.
Compliance Schedule Auditing
A Compliance Schedule, under the Building Act 2004, is a legally required document for certain buildings. It outlines all the specified systems within a building that need regular inspection, maintenance, and reporting to ensure they remain in compliance with the Building Code. These specified systems usually include fire safety systems such as fire alarms, sprinklers, smoke control systems, emergency lighting, and more, and it details the inspection, maintenance, and reporting requirements for each specified system. Additionally, it includes the schedule for carrying out routine inspections, who is responsible for conducting these inspections, and the frequency of reporting to the council.
Compliance Schedule Auditing
Core Fire Safety Ltd are experienced professionals at carrying out Compliance Schedule Auditing which involves an inspection and an assessment of whether the building owner or management is adhering to the outlined requirements as stated in the Compliance Schedule. We verify whether the specified systems are being appropriately maintained and regularly checked to ensure they function correctly as per the Building Code Clause. Issues or deficiencies are required to be remedied and then a council compliance will need to be obtained.
Compliance Schedule Auditing plays a crucial role in ensuring that buildings maintain their fire safety systems in proper working condition to safeguard occupants' safety and comply with New Zealand's fire safety regulations.
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