Fire Engineering Glossary

The Fire Engineering Glossary is an essential tool for building managers who require a reliable resource to help them understand the terms used in this important field.It features clear and concise definitions of critical terminology related to fire safety, prevention, and control. With its immense collection of words and phrases, this comprehensive glossary is designed to provide comprehensive coverage of all fire engineering concepts.

The Fire Engineering Glossary is a valuable source of information for anyone looking to get familiar with the vocabulary used by industry experts. Whether you're just starting out or learning something new, this glossary will provide you with the necessary resources for success!

The IFS Fire Engineering Glossary

AAF

The Alarm acknowledgment facility is defined by AS 1670.1:2018.

Acceptance criteria

The criteria used to determine if the analysis of a fire scenario is acceptable based on a measure that is established in the Fire Engineering Brief (FEB). Refer to Design Fire Parameters for each design fire scenario and Performance Solution.

ADF

The Alarm delay facility is defined by AS 1670.1:2018.

AIF

The Alarm investigation facility is defined by AS 1670.1:2018.

Alternative Building Design

The design of a building that includes Performance Solutions in addition to DtS provisions. Also includes routine service requirements and Fire safety management requirements.

Alternative Solution

A building solution which complies with objectives and/or performance requirements of a code other than by reason of satisfying the deemed-to-satisfy provisions. Known as a Performance Solution since May 2016.

Analysis

Means the process by which objectives, acceptance criteria, fire scenarios, trial concept designs and the level of evaluation, as identified in the Fire Engineering Brief, are considered and applied by the fire safety engineer for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with relevant building legislation and the relevant performance requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

Appropriately qualified

Qualifications and experience appropriate in accordance with relevant applicable legislation and professional standards.

Approval

Means the granting of a building permit, occupancy permit, certificate of final inspection, certificate, or a form of consent from an Authority Having Jurisdiction.

In accordance with the Building Regulations, the Relevant Building Surveyor cannot determine that a Performance Solution complies with the performance requirements of the BCA unless:

1. The Relevant Building Surveyor holds a Graduate Certificate in Performance Based Building Codes from Victoria University of Technology or a qualification considered (and approved as) equivalent by the Building Practitioners Board of Victoria.

2. Relies on a design compliance certificate pursuant to Section 238 of the Building Act 1993 from a Fire Safety Engineer who did not design the building works.

3. Relies on a design compliance certificate pursuant to Section 238 of the Building Act 1993 from a Registered Building Surveyor who did not design the building works and holds the qualification or equivalent qualification (refer above).

4. Relies on Accreditation of a system or design issued by the Building Regulations Advisory Committee.

5. Relies on a determination of the Building Appeals Board.

6. Relies on a certificate of conformity issued by the Australian Building Codes Board.

7. Relies on a regulation 129 consent from the Chief Officer of the relevant fire brigade.

Approved design

Design that was approved by the Authority having jurisdiction for the purpose of providing building works or subsequent modification. This design may have been issued at building permit stage or modified during construction. (AS 1851-2012 clause 1.5.2). A design report for building system(s) becomes the approved design once approved by the AHJ.

ASET

Available safe egress time: Time available for escape for an individual occupant. This is the calculated time interval between the time of ignition of a fire and the time at which conditions become such that the occupant is estimated to be incapacitated (i.e. unable to take effective action to escape to a place of safety). [ABCB 2013]

Assessment

The process carried out by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) which may involve the assessing, verifying, reviewing, and/or comparing a fire engineering solution for compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and adequacy of documentation to demonstrate compliance with the applicable legislation for the purpose of granting approval.

ATL

Accredited Testing Laboratory means:

• an organization registered by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to test in the relevant field; or

• an organization outside Australia registered by an authority recognized by NATA through a mutual recognition agreement; or

• an organization recognized as being an Accredited Testing Laboratory under legislation at the time the test was undertaken.

The ATL tests a prototype of a fire protection measure and issues a report which:

• describes the method and conditions of the test and the form of construction of the tested prototype in full; and

• certifies that the application of restraint to the prototype complied with the Standard Fire Test.

ATL Report from

A report issued by a Registered Testing Authority which:

• describes the method and conditions of the test and the form of construction of the tested prototype in full; and

• certifies that the application of restraint to the prototype complied with the Standard Fire Test. [NCC BCA Vol 1 Spec A 2.3 2(b)]

Attachment

A supplementary element attached to an external wall or other complete building element. An attachment is when it is removed from the building element, the element still remains compliant. [VBA Industry Alert Feb 2016 External walls & BCA compliance].

Audit

Review proposed or installed fire safety measures and provide a compliance statement. This report comments on the measures (installed or design) and supporting documentation. This report does not constitute certification where testing and detailed inspection is required. The audit looks at the process and that the responsible parties have completed their duties.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

A regulatory authority that is responsible for administering building controls for a particular project or part thereof. The AHJ is normally the Registered Building Surveyor, Building Certifier or the applicable Local Government Council, however other authorities such as the Fire Brigade, Water, Gas and Electricity Authorities may have jurisdiction over various aspects of the project. Building Law in most States and Territories of Australia has, at least partially, privatized or introduced competition to the traditional local government role of the AHJ.

AVF

The Alarm verification facility is defined by AS 1670.1:2018.

Base line data

Data obtained from the approved design and commissioning, which serves as a basis for subsequent comparison with the data derived from inspections, tests, and surveys (AS 1851-2012 clause 1.5.4).

Benchmark Design

A Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) design that would be acceptable based on the limits of the BCA which has the same functional or operational requirements as the Performance Solution (includes similar use and occupancy).

Building Solution

A building solution which complies with objectives and/or performance requirements of a code and is either a Performance Solution, a solution that complies with the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions, or a combination of both.

Building work

Work for, or in connection with, the construction, demolition, or removal of a building [Section 3 of the Building Act 1993]. Includes design and routine servicing.

Burnout

Exposure to fire for a time that includes fire growth, full development, and decay in the absence of intervention or automatic suppression, beyond which the fire is no longer a threat to building elements intended to perform loadbearing or fire separation function or both. [ABCB 2013]

Certification

Certification is the process of ensuring that a design, design documentation, and evidence of compliance and construction meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and other relevant legislation in accordance with the applicable laws. Certification is typically undertaken by appropriately qualified Fire Safety Engineers who may or may not have been the designer of the building or fire safety system.

The acceptance of certification, particularly by the designer, is subject to the consideration and acceptance of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), which is the regulatory authority responsible for administering building controls for a particular project or part thereof. The AHJ is responsible for granting approval and ensuring that the certification meets the applicable legislative requirements.

Cladding

A non-loadbearing covering of a wall system which contributes to the functionality of the external wall, usually but not limited to weatherproofing. [VBA Industry Alert Feb 2016 External walls & BCA compliance].

Commissioning report

A completed fire protection measure is completed and commissioned and made operationally ready. A report is issued by a suitably qualified and experienced party that was responsible for the completion of the system. The report details the settings and working parameters of the system(s) and is to form part of the baseline data.

CFD

Computation Fluid Dynamics: Calculation method that solves equations to represent the movement of fluids in environment. [ABCB 2013]

CIS

Common Intelligibility Scale. As used in sound systems for emergency purposes defined in AS 1670.4 section 4.3.8. Methods of measuring speech intelligibility are given in Appendix B.

Design

The process of uniquely creating, conceiving, formulating or determining the final form, shape, function or use of a building, including any or all of its parts or systems. For the purposes of this document, this includes deriving and/or preparing documentation, plans, specification and Fire Engineering Reports for submission to the AHJ for approval.

Design fire

A description of the assumed fire characteristics within the design fire scenario.

Design fire scenario

A specific fire scenario of which a deterministic fire safety engineering analysis is conducted. [ABCB 2013]

Design report

This report provides the Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) with the design details and "Good Faith" evidence to achieve the requirements of the BCA so that a Building Permit can be issued. Upon acceptance by the RBS this report along with any referenced drawings becomes the Approved Design. This can then be used by designers and contractors to develop drawings for tender or construction purposes, co-ordination, costing and project planning. This report can also be used to apply to authorities for information & dispensations, develop a specification for operational readiness and develop an Alternative Building Design. The project manager should use this report as the approved design (once approved) and engage suitably qualified professionals to determine that the installed works are in compliance with this report. System certifiers can use this report to verify that the building works have been satisfactorily installed and commissioned. This is important for them as they will test and inspect the fire protection services in accordance with the Approved Design.

Detection time

Time interval between ignition of a fire and its detection by an automatic or manual system.

Deterministic Analysis

A worst case credible scenario is selected (determined) and analysed for acceptance. There is no probability attached to the analysis as it is considered to be a conservative scenario.

Determination

Refers to the function undertaken by the AHJ in arriving at a decision as to whether compliance has been achieved or not.

Dangerous good

A substance that is either:

• corrosive

• flammable

• explosive

• spontaneously combustible

• toxic

• water reactive

DtS Design

Deemed-to-satisfy design: A design that is deemed to satisfy the performance requirements.

Effective height

The height to the floor of the topmost storey (excluding the topmost storey if it contains only heating, ventilating, lift or other equipment, water tanks or similar service units) from the floor of the lowest storey providing direct egress to a road or open space.

Engineering Judgement

The process exercised by a professional who is qualified by way of education, experience and recognised skills to complement accept or reject elements of quantitative analysis. (ISO)

Equivalent

Equivalent

Means equivalent to the level of health, safety and amenity provided by the deemed to satisfy provisions.

Evacuation time

The time calculated from when the emergency starts for the occupants of the building to evacuate to a safe place. [ABCB 2013]

Exit

(a) Any, or any combination of the following if they provide egress to a road or open space: (i) An internal or external stairway. (ii) A ramp. (iii) A fire-isolated passageway. (iv) A doorway opening to a road or open space. (b) A horizontal exit or a fire-isolated passageway leading to a horizontal exit. (BCA Definition).

Missing from this BCA definition is when an external side is open without a door. An exit is assumed when at the construction edge of the vertical plan leading to an open space.

External wall

The entire wall system which separates the interior air space of the building with the outside air space including any componentry or elements necessary for the external wall to achieve the requirements for structural performance, weather tightness, thermal performance, non-combustibility and required FRL if required by the type of construction, and any other functionality required under the BCA. This definition excludes any linings, materials and assemblies complying with Clause C1.10 or attachments complying with Specification C1.1 Clause 2.4 that may be applied to the inner or outer surface of the already fully compliant wall. [VBA Industry Alert Feb 2016 External walls & BCA compliance].

FDAS

Fire detection and alarm system (AS 1670.1:2018)

FDCIE

Fire detection control and indicating equipment (AS 1670.1:2018)

Field Model

A computer model that uses computational fluid dynamics to analyse the fire growth dynamics of enclosures by dividing the enclosure into a number of cells.

Fire Brigade Intervention

Means all the fire agency activities from the time of notification up to fire extinguishment and overhaul and includes the fire brigade operations.

Fire Brigade Intervention Model (FBIM)

Australian Fire Authorities Council process for quantifying fire brigade intervention. The model considers the following conditions within the building in determining acceptance levels: Routine: elevated temperatures, but not high and direct thermal radiation Hazardous: where fire fighters would be expected to operate for a short period of time in high temperatures in combination with direct thermal radiation Extreme: These conditions would be encountered in a snatch and rescue situation or a retreat from extreme heat Critical: Fire fighter would not be expected to operate in these conditions.

Fire Brigade Operations

All the fire fighter activities from time of arrival at an incident including:

• Set up

• Search and rescue

• Fire attack

• Containment and control

• Extinguishment

• Overhaul.

Fire decay

Stage of fire development during which the heat release rate and the temperature of the fire are decreasing. [ABCB 2013]

Fire hazard

The danger in terms of potential harm and degree of exposure arising from the start and spread of fire and the smoke and gases are thereby generated. (BCA Vol 1 Part A1 Interpretation). The fire hazard is defined in terms of the following subsystems: A. Fire initiation & development. B. Smoke spread. C. Fire spread.

Fire Scenario

A qualitative description of the course of a fire (event) with time. The events surrounding a particular fire from ignition to extinguishment. This will involve a number of building safety features, fire dynamics, and suppression activities. Also considered is occupant response.

Quantification of a fire situation which considers the following:

• Boundary conditions

• Fire dynamics - growth rate, fuel, ventilation, etc.

• Building services and system response to the fire

• Occupant response to the fire.

Flashover

Stage of fire transition to a state of total surface involvement in a fire of combustible materials within an enclosure. In relation to fire hazard properties means a heat release rate of 1.00 MW. [ABCB 2013]

FSF

Fire Source Feature. NCC definition:

(a) the far boundary of a road, river, lake, or the like adjoining the allotment; or (b) a side or rear boundary of the allotment; or (c) an external wall of another building on the allotment which is not a class 10 building.

Fully developed fire

A fire state of total involvement of combustible materials.

Hazard

A chemical or physical condition that has the potential for causing damage to people, property, or the environment.

Heat release

Thermal energy produced by combustion (expressed in Joules).

HRR

Heat release rate of a fire. Rate of thermal energy production generated by combustion (expressed in kW or MW).

Incapacitation

State of physical inability to accomplish a specific task. [ABCB 2013]

Installers statement

The installer of a fire protection measure issues a statement that the measure of the system complies with the approved design. The installer is to be suitably qualified and experienced to the satisfaction of the AHJ. The statement to include any Performance Solutions that formed part of the design and that the completed works were to the satisfaction of the Fire Engineering Report.

Insulation

Insulation in relation to FRL, means the ability to maintain a temperature on the surface not exposed to the furnace below the minutes specified in AS 1530.4. Refer also FRL.

Integrity

Integrity in relation to FRL, means the ability to resist the passage of flames and hot gases for a duration in minutes when exposed to a standard fire test. Refer also FRL.

Loadbearing (LB)

Ability to resist vertical forces additional to those due to its own weight. [NCC 2013]

Lining

Of external wall: sheet material fixed as an attachment to the external face of an external wall. [VBA Industry Alert Feb 2016 External walls & BCA compliance]

NLB

Non load bearing - refer load bearing.

Open space

A space on the allotment, or a roof or similar part of a building adequately protected from fire, open to the sky, and connected directly with a public road (BCA Definitions)

Optical density of smoke

Is the measure of attenuation of a light beam passing through smoke expressed as the logarithm to the base 10 of the opacity of smoke. This is used in defining occupant tenability based on visibility. Refer Appendix E Untenable conditions (if relevant).

Operationally ready

A fire protection measure is operationally ready when it performs in accordance with the approved design. Determining operational readiness includes requirements found in the FER 2.2 Completion. Maintaining operational readiness includes requirements found in FER Routine servicing.

Peer Review

Peer Review is the process by which a qualified Fire Safety Engineer independently reviews a fire safety design that was not undertaken by the peer reviewer. The goal of the Peer Review is to determine compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and agreed acceptance criteria. The review includes ensuring that appropriate procedures and methodology have been followed and that adequate documentation has been provided.

Performance Based Design Brief (PBDB)

Performance Based Design Brief (PBDB), also known as the Fire Engineering Brief, was introduced with the NCC 2019 A1 in 2021 for any design using a Performance Solution. A Performance Solution is a building solution that complies with the objectives and/or performance requirements of a code other than by reason of satisfying the deemed-to-satisfy provisions. PBDB may not be a fire-engineered solution (i.e., waterproofing).

Performance Solution

A Performance Solution is a building solution that complies with the objectives and/or performance requirements of a code other than by reason of satisfying the deemed-to-satisfy provisions. Previously called an Alternative Solution (pre BCA 2016).

Products of Combustion

Products of Combustion are the products released as a result of a fire, including smoke, hot gases, and toxic species such as carbon monoxide and dioxide.

Redundancy Study

In a quantitative analysis, a Redundancy Study is when it is assumed that one of the building fire safety systems does not work. For example, a study to show the effect of failure of the fire sprinkler system. The acceptance criteria for this study is expected to be much less conservative than the design study.

Reliability Study

In a quantitative analysis, a Reliability Study is undertaken when the probability of protective subsystems is analyzed. This method uses a probabilistic approach and is not generally used in deterministic analysis.

RISF

Resistance to the incipient spread of fire (RISF), in relation to a ceiling membrane, means the ability of the membrane to insulate the space between the ceiling and roof, or ceiling and floor above, so as to limit the temperature rise of materials in this space to a level which will not permit the rapid and general spread of fire throughout the space.

RSET

Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) is the time required for escape. This is the calculated time period required for an individual occupant to travel from their location at the time of ignition to a place of safety. RSET is the sum of the alarm + premovement + travel times from any location in the building to a place of safety. Time zero is assumed to be the time of ignition of a fire. For the acceptance of life safety, RSET needs to be less than ASET with an appropriate safety factor.

RBS

In the Victorian context of the Building Act, RBS stands for Relevant Building Surveyor. This term refers to the person who is responsible for reviewing and approving building applications and issuing permits, approvals, inspections, directions, notices, or orders.

Safe Place

A Safe Place is a place of safety within a building that is not under threat from a fire and from which people must be able to safely disperse after escaping the effects of an emergency to a road or open space or a road of open space.

Sensitivity Study

In a quantitative analysis, a Sensitivity Study is undertaken to examine the effect of the input assumptions on the outcomes of the analysis. It determines how sensitive a result is on the input. Typically, an analysis would examine the variables associated with the fire growth development.

SOU - Sole occupancy unit

The BCA definition of a sole occupancy unit is a room or other part of a building for occupation by one or joint owner, lessee, tenant, or other occupier to the exclusion of any other owner, lessee, tenant, or other occupier.

SPL

Sound pressure level. Sound pressure level (SPL) or sound level is a logarithmic measure of the effective sound pressure of a sound relative to a reference value. It is measured in decibels (dB) above a standard reference level.

Stakeholder

All the individuals or groups that are likely to be affected by the building solution.

Standard Fire test

A test undertaken to determine the fire resistance level of building construction as described in AS 1530.4. The test uses a standardised heating regime which the test specimen must withstand to achieve an FRL. (Also refer FRL, insulation, integrity & structural adequacy).

Structural adequacy

Structural adequacy in relation to FRL is the ability of a building element to maintain stability and adequate loadbearing capacity for a duration in minutes when subjected to a standard fire test. Refer also FRL.

Tested System

A system of building elements that have been tested to achieve a level of fire resistance. The fire resistance has been determined by the system being submitted to a Standard Fire Test, or an equivalent or more severe test as detailed in an RTA report.

To the degree necessary

Consideration of all the criteria referred to in the criteria referred to in the performance requirement will determine the outcome appropriate to the circumstances. These words have been inserted to indicate that in certain situations it may not be necessary to incorporate any specific measure to meet the performance requirement. This phrase is used to show that provisions can differ according to various elements which appropriate authorities may take into consideration when assessing building applications.

Third Party Reviewer

Reviews the Fire Engineering Report and determines whether it is in accordance with the Fire Engineering Brief and that satisfactory engineering evidence has been provided in the FER. Provides certification as relevant to the building approval process as agreed in advance with the project manager. Is independent of the design process. Is not a relevant stakeholder.

Third party compliance certification

A compliance report issued by a suitably qualified and experienced party that certifies that the installed system complies with the approved design. The third-party qualifications and experience to include qualified building practitioner with an Engineering category (or a party acceptable to the AHJ). Report to include details of inspection, testing, and commissioning and to the satisfaction of the AHJ. If any departures from the approved design have been included these are to be itemized.

Travel distance

Distance that is necessary for a person to travel from any point within a built environment to the nearest exit, taking into account the layout of walls, partitions, and fittings. This is used in determining the ASET.

Trial Building Solution

The building solution (Performance Solution) proposed at the FEB phase which is examined for compliance with the accepted methodology.

Uncertainty Study

In a quantitative analysis, a sensitivity study is undertaken to examine the effect of uncertainty in analyzing a fire scenario. The use of safety factors can be appropriate to increase the certainty of the outcome.

Untenable conditions

Conditions that a building occupant is incapacitated as a result of a fire that is determined to be unsafe. These limits are defined in Appendix E Untenable conditions. Refer also to ASET & incapacitation.

Verification Method

A Verification Method is a test, inspection, calculation or other method that determines whether a Performance Solution complies with the relevant Performance Requirements. This can include a verification method provided in the NCC (National Construction Code), or such Verification Methods accepted by the appropriate authority that show compliance with the relevant Performance Requirements.

References:

• NCC 2019 BCA Vol One A2.2, Schedule 3

Visibility

Visibility refers to the maximum distance at which an object of defined size, brightness, and contrast can be seen and recognized. This measure is used to determine incapacitation based on untenable conditions as defined in Appendix E Untenable conditions. Visibility is a key measure used in acceptance criteria when analyzing fire scenarios.

Yield

Yield is the mass loss of a combustion product generated during combustion divided by the mass loss of the test specimen.

References:

• Australian Building Codes Board, NCC BCA Volume One