Begin with a clear assessment brief
Identify the building, the proposed design and the specific issue requiring assessment. The brief should establish the scope, relevant stakeholders, proposed analysis and criteria against which the design will be considered.
Early discussion helps separate the engineering question from assumptions that still need confirmation by the design team or relevant authorities.
Use analysis suited to the question
Depending on the agreed scope, an assessment may involve fire and smoke modelling, evacuation analysis or other qualitative and quantitative methods. Modelling inputs, assumptions and limitations are part of the assessment, rather than details to leave until the end.
- Fire and smoke behaviour within the proposed building
- Occupant movement and evacuation scenarios
- Interactions between the design and proposed fire safety measures
Document the outcome and its conditions
The engineering report records the assessment and any design measures or conditions on which it relies. Those requirements need to remain visible to the wider design and delivery team.
Acceptance of a proposed approach depends on the applicable review and approval process.