Fire protection concepts and measures, incorporated in the planning and approval stage, form part of the basic prerequisites for a sound building project. They ensure the greatest possible degree of safety for people in the building while simultaneously focussing on economic and ecological considerations. Inadequate or unsuitable fire protection measures result in liability risks for building owners and planners and limit the usability and acceptance of the building by its future users.

Müller-BBM advises and assists consulting architects, building owners and project managers in all questions related to fire protection. During the planning stages of a building project, we define the requirements for construction supervision, based on the specifications and technical construction regulations. We develop the fundamental elements of the fire protection concept for submission to the permit authorities. In this process, we take into consideration the design wishes of our clients and the interests of later users of the building, in addition to legal requirements.

During the design planning stage, Müller-BBM expands on the initial concept to advise the designer with regard to the initial design of escape routes and the arrangement of firefighting sections. Later, we give advice regarding the placement of fire protection equipment and the generation of fire brigade plans. This involves working out alternative solutions, taking into consideration interactions between solutions defined by building regulations and the particular technical features of the project. Significant deviations from plans or regulations are discussed with responsible fire department officials during the planning phase, taking technical aspects into consideration, and recommendations and justifications regarding technical compensation measures are submitted to supervisory bodies for assessment and approval.

We investigate the existing fire loads and use modern engineering methods and numerical methods to solve problems associated with fire protection. Zone and field models are used here to simulate smoke propagation. Müller-BBM uses the results along with the technical regulations to plan mechanical or thermal smoke-removal measures, including all required air supply surfaces. We also work out the layout criteria for the required fire alarms and sprinkler systems, determine the amount of water required for fire fighting and develop measures for retaining fire-fighting water.

During the construction phase, Müller-BBM also monitors the work of the companies involved in the project for compliance with the planning requirements and documents its work for the building inspection authorities. During the entire project, we maintain a constant dialogue with all parties involved in the planning, the companies performing the work and the supervisory authorities.

Müller-BBM also ensures the generation of proper fire protection documentation. This includes the fire protection concept, the fire resistance requirements for all structural elements, approval documents and test certificates as well as maintenance and testing that must be carried out during the utilisation period. Besides simplifying formal acceptance of the building, this also facilitates the continuation of the fire protection concept in the event of remodelling or a change of use at a later date, offers future owners maximum planning security and simplifies the maintenance and operation of the building.

Besides providing advice and assistance, Müller-BBM provides expert opinions and analyses for all questions related to fire protection and generates insurance-law risk analyses and fireprotection assessments for the purposes of company risk management.