Uncovered Witness: Fire Science Revelations
In this podcast, I am joining HALLIWELL Fire Research to provide a fundamental insight into fire science. With content that does not require any prior knowledge, we hope to guide the listener from the basics into the real fire science revelations. With an in-depth discussion of past catastrophic fires and the most impactful research, we build a sound foundation on where the knowledge on fire comes from. We also take a look into the future and how the field may change in the coming years.
"Uncovered Witness" aspires to foster a deeper appreciation for fire science, highlight the critical role of fire safety in architectural and engineering design, and encourage a multidisciplinary approach to improving fire safety standards. By making fire science accessible to a diverse audience, including lawyers, investors, architects, and others, the podcast underscores the universal relevance of fire safety knowledge and its impact on society. Through education and awareness, it aims to inspire improvements in fire safety practices and designs, contributing to the prevention of fire-related tragedies.
Uncovered Witness: Fire Science Revelations
S3E03 | The pyramid of solutions
In this episode of 'Uncovered Witness: Fire Science Revelations,' we investigate the complexities of identifying and fixing building defects. The episode begins by outlining the stages involved, from the initial detection of a defect to selecting an appropriate fix. The host highlights the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders such as developers and insurers, highlighting the challenges of defining what constitutes a defect and determining whether insurance policies cover it. Early responsibility lies with the developer, while latent defect policies can come into play later on, though these often include many exclusions that need careful navigation.
The episode again features expert insights from Richard Gough (McLarens), Gareth Bowers (McLarens), Joanna Grant (Fenchurch Law), Mario Lara Ledermann (Halliwell Fire Research) and Per Olsson (Halliwell Fire Research), who explain the importance of technical analysis and fire safety engineering in this process. The discussion expands on the multi-layered 'pyramid of solutions', ranging from material and component fixes to system-wide and holistic building strategies. Each layer requires different levels of expertise and can significantly impact the costs and timelines involved in remediation.
Through practical examples and detailed explanations, the experts describe the potential for cost-effective solutions that can satisfy all parties involved. They also address larger-scale issues affecting entire building stock, such as combustible claddings, and discuss the broader implications and challenges of systemic defect remediation. Additionally, the episode touches on emergency orders and interim risk mitigation measures that may be necessary while long-term solutions are being developed. Finally, the episode serves as a prelude to the next one, which will focus on the remediation process, stakeholder involvement, cost-effectiveness, and legal considerations, as well as the roles of engineering and legal experts in resolving complex defect cases.
Guests featured in this podcast episode:
- Per Olsson, Halliwell Fire Research
- Mario Lara Ledermann, Halliwell Fire Research
- Joanna Grant, Fenchurch Law Ltd
- Gareth Bowers, McLarens
- Richard Gough, McLarens
This show is produced by the Fire Science Media for Halliwell Fire Research. Executive producer - Monika Węgrzyńska, scripting and production - Monika and Wojciech Węgrzyńscy, sound engineer - Mikołaj Jarząbek. All rights reserved. 2024.