As the Fire Engineer for one of Ireland’s largest warehouse buildings, AFEC’s responsibilities were comprehensive, involving an in-depth analysis of the building’s engineering and design needs. The project presented unique challenges due to its scale, with travel distances and a single storage space exceeding standard limits. AFEC led a comparative analysis to justify the extended travel distances, taking into account the building’s height and its sprinkler system protection.
To address the size of the storage space, which surpassed the recommended compartment size, AFEC conducted a detailed fire engineering risk assessment, focusing on potential ignition sources and the efficacy of proposed fire protection systems. This included cutting-edge aspirating fire detection and in-rack sprinkler systems.
Furthermore, a tailored smoke clearance system was designed to support fire brigade operations. This project not only required technical skill but also an innovative approach in proposing cost-effective solutions that diverged from traditional guidance. For instance, the integration of mains supply with static water storage in a deepened attenuation area addressed the large-scale water supply needs for firefighting, resulting from the considerable size of the building.
These efforts ensured that the warehouse met the highest standards of fire safety, combining innovative design with effective fire protection measures.
