David has gained invaluable experience as Head of Projects for his former employer, overseeing fire safety remedial works and bringing apartment developments back into important fire regulation compliance. This included advising OMC Directors of realistic plans of action in terms of financing remedial works, carrying out the works through specialist contractors and certification after completion, including managing all the associated aspects such as liaising with insurance companies etc.

Unfortunately, there are many apartment developments, which do not comply with fire safety regulation and their original fire safety certificate. Some insurance companies request fire safety audits to highlight fire safety deficiencies, which need to be rectified immediately due to the health and safety risk to residents.

Furthermore, OMC's Directors have a duty of care to the residents of an apartment development. Regardless of whether a property has a Fire Safety Certificate but is not in compliance (or one that is pre 1990 and does not have an FSC), the Fire Brigade may issue a closure notice under the same legislation if they believe the building to be unsafe: Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Act, 1981 & 2003 states: - “It shall be the duty of every person having control over premises to which this section applies to – (d) ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of persons on the premises in the event of an outbreak of fire whether such outbreak has occurred or not.”

We distinguish between 3 main fire safety aspects:
1. Fire Certificate: Development being built according to fire safety building regulations. For example, installation of fire/smoke barriers, compartmentation, use of certified materials etc.
2. Fire Safety Detectors: Correct installation of smoke and heat detectors and providing required decibel sound levels (compliance with IS3218 - 1989 or 2013).
3. Emergency lighting: Emergency directional signage at all changes of direction and correct light lux level (compliance with IS3217 - 1989 or 2013).

If your apartment development/commercial unit has a fire safety deficiency and you are looking for an experienced property management company with extensive experience in managing remedial fire safety works, bringing the development back into legislative requirement, then contact us now for a personal consultation. We would be happy to answer your specific questions and queries pertaining to fire safety deficiencies and remedial works in residential and commercial developments.