Fire Protection Engineering combines the principles of science and engineering to protect businesses and their people from the damaging impacts of fire and smoke. Through comprehensive analysis of facilities, equipment, and processes, fire risk engineers pinpoint potential fire hazards and provide in-depth recommendations to diminish their risk.
Fire protection engineering assessments often include desktop and onsite examinations of electrical systems, equipment, fire protection systems, fire alarms, process safety measures, human element programs, boilers, combustible dust hazards, and more to determine fire safety.
Fire safety is a big issue, causing $1.2 billion in damage to industrial or manufacturing facilities each year in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Major culprits include electrical distribution, lighting equipment, combustible dust, flammable liquids, and hot work. With so many varied hazards, fire protection engineering is critical to save lives, reduce property damage, and ensure business continuity.
Fire protection engineers are professionals trained not only in the fundamental aspects of fire behavior but also in the application of cutting-edge technologies and methods to prevent, control, and mitigate fires. Unlike firefighters – who actively combat active fires – fire protection engineers use fire science, data, safety engineering, and strategic planning to stop fires before they start. They are adept at examining a wide range of facilities, reviewing construction plans, probing business procedures for latent risks, and counseling on optimal fire detection and counteraction systems.
Many fire risk engineers specialize in a specific industry such as food-and-beverage, mining, manufacturing, automotive, semiconductors, power generation, pharmaceuticals, or wood pulp and paper. Some have tactical specializations like the ability to use infrared thermography to identify fire hazards invisible to the naked eye. Others have expertise in fire science, fire safety, fire/building codes, evaluation of architectural designs, fire suppression systems, or alarms.
Fire protection engineers meticulously scrutinize potential fire hazards, diagnose vulnerabilities, and ensure proactive strategies are in place. From that analysis, fire protection engineers create reports detailing a facility’s fire risks with actionable recommendations for risk mitigation and fire safety. Reports include fire ignition sources, human element issues, process pitfalls, and building attributes that could lead to fire. Reports by leading risk consultants also demonstrate how certain enhancements can financially benefit a company through risk reduction.
Common recommendations for improved fire risk protection include:
Hard insurance market. Commercial property insurance rates have risen steadily since 2017 due to a hard, disciplined underwriting market. Underwriters are less willing to ensure riskier businesses and require evidence that companies are addressing and mitigating high-cost risks. Risk professionals equipped with exhaustive safety engineering reports and executed suggestions from independent risk managers have an advantage during underwriting, positioning themselves as best-in-class. That can potentially lead to more favorable insurance terms and conditions.
Disciplined underwriting. Insurance carriers are being more selective with the capacity they offer to businesses. Demonstrating continuous attention to fire risks can convince underwriters to provide the most capacity possible.
Supply chain volatility. While the pandemic’s immediate impact may have faded, supply chain disruptions linger in several sectors. Essential equipment and critical parts that once took weeks for delivery may now take months – meaning a fire could shut down your facility far longer than initially expected.
Inaccurate valuations. Inflation has left many businesses underinsured. That means that if a fire leads to a sizeable insurance claim, it may not cover rebuilding or repair costs.
Data and analytics. Company leaders and underwriters prioritize tangible data on risk profiles. Leading risk advisory firms offer risk engineering feedback and suggestions via interactive dashboards that showcase risk reduction over time.
It's crucial to differentiate between these two roles, as they serve distinct purposes in the broader context of fire safety.
Fire Engineer: Primarily associated with fire services, fire engineers are involved in active firefighting, emergency response, rescue operations, and in some cases, investigation of fire incidents. Their expertise lies in understanding the practicalities of fire combat, strategies for response, and the tools and equipment required.
Fire Protection Engineer: As discussed earlier, these professionals focus on identifying and analyzing fire protection systems and strategies to prevent and mitigate fires in the first place. They typically have expertise in fire science and fire safety engineering. Their realm is proactive prevention rather than active response.
Global Risk Consultants has helped countless businesses reduce risks by billions. Interested in learning more about fire protection engineering? Contact us today.
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