What manufacturer guidance contributes
Coopers Fire, a fire curtain manufacturer, describes active fire curtain barrier assemblies in its BS 8524 guide (coopersfire.com). The guide discusses test and specification considerations, with a separate scope covering installation, commissioning and maintenance.
This distinction is useful when reviewing a proposal. Product test information concerns the assembly and the conditions addressed by its testing. Installation and commissioning concern the system provided for the particular project. Maintenance concerns its continued upkeep.
Use the manufacturer’s material to identify the documentation and questions relevant to the proposed assembly. The applicable specification still needs to reflect the intended use within the building.
Start with the documented fire strategy
The project needs to establish where the curtain is proposed, the function it is intended to perform and its relationship with the building’s other fire protection and escape arrangements.
London Fire Brigade’s historic-building fire guidance (london-fire.gov.uk) considers construction, compartmentation, escape routes, occupancy and management within a building-specific strategy. It also highlights the potential effect of alterations on fire separation.
For a curtain proposal, useful questions for the project specialists include:
- What function is recorded in the fire strategy?
- Which opening or building area is involved?
- What test and specification documents support the proposed assembly?
- What installation and commissioning scope is included?
- What maintenance information will be available?
Where heritage constraints apply, specialist and conservation input may also affect the proposed arrangement.
Escape arrangements and premises responsibilities
Government evacuation planning guidance (gov.uk) considers clear marked escape routes, emergency doors, lighting, staff training and people with mobility needs. A curtain proposal needs to be considered alongside the arrangements relevant to the building’s layout and occupancy.
For a UK project, establish the jurisdiction and premises responsibilities as part of defining the requirements. Keep product specification questions distinct from the wider management of fire risk.
Describe the project or existing system
A refurbishment enquiry can identify the proposed location, available strategy and outstanding specification decisions. For an existing curtain, identify the equipment from records and describe the maintenance requirement or observation already reported. Use existing records and observations for your message.
Use the contact form to outline the London premises, relevant project records and the fire protection work you need to discuss.