SFPE

The SFPE (Society of Fire Protection Engineers) is an international professional society representing those practicing in the field of Fire Protection Engineering.

Online Seminars

 

British Standards in Practice and BS 9994 Fire Strategies

How Fire Standards Shape Real-World Safety

 

This session provides an overview of how fire-related British Standards are developed and applied, offering insight into their purpose, intent, and role in supporting clarity and consistency across fire safety practice. The presentation also outlines how standards interface with broader parts of the fire safety system and highlights where greater understanding can help reduce confusion or unintended consequences in real-world use.

The session is followed by input from members of the technical drafting panel on the development process of BS 9994 – Fire Strategies, along with a Q&A session.

 

Fire Risk Appraisals of External Walls (FRAEW)

Principles and Foundations for Proportionate Assessment

Speaker:

  • Arturo De Paola, MEng CEng MICE MRICS MIFireE
    (National Fire Director of External Walls, Stantec UK)

No video recording avalible

This session focuses on the fundamental principles underpinning the fire risk appraisal of external wall systems. Emphasising first-principles thinking and the application of professional judgement, the session equips fire safety professionals to undertake proportionate and defensible assessments within an evolving regulatory environment.

Drawing on more than 30 years’ experience in fire engineering, external wall appraisal, and expert witness practice, Arturo De Paola explores how robust methodology and the critical application of guidance — such as BSI PAS 9980 — can support consistent, transparent, and resilient decision‑making.

The session provides a strong foundation for fire safety professionals seeking to enhance competence and confidence in external wall fire risk assessment.

 

Data Centres: Fire Engineering in an Evolving Sector

Data centres by their very use present a challenging environment with respect to fire safety, be this for the protection of life, property, or critical infrastructure operation. Specific risks that may not otherwise be apparent on similar building uses or types should be identified and mitigated accordingly. A fire engineer working on a data centre project must apply a best practice attitude bound by known principles to overcome the identified risks which may not be addressed in the common design guidance for traditional buildings. Fire engineers should enable a reliable and robust design that allows effective operation of a data centre.
In this presentation, our presenters will discuss the typical and key challenges associated with data centre design, such as common data centre hazards, application of Building Regulations and relevant guidance, fire safety systems, and design guidance and principles available where common fire safety standards are limited.