Protection Series – Fire evaluation guide

How Uniteam can help evaluate fire risks

Over the years Uniteam has delivered several different types of containers and modules with both passive and active fire protection. Also, especially for offshore deliveries, fire-retardant materials are used not only for construction but also for furniture in order to reduce the flame spread and accumulation of toxic gases.

Due to that,  the most common materials used in our passive fire protective designs are Rockwool in combination with steel, aluminium, concrete, or gypsum boards. In addition to the main construction, we also make sure that the enclosure as a whole has been evaluated, with regard to fire protection. Furthermore, other elements to consider include fire escape routes, fire-rated doors, self-closing doors, hatches, structural supports, bulkhead penetrations, ventilation (fire dampers and duct insulation), active fire suppression, and fire and gas alarm systems.

Learn more: How to protect against fire

Some protective enclosures delivered by Uniteam:

What you should evaluate 

The following questions intend to help you start with the fire risk evaluation. However, please remember to consult with external consultants or companies if uncertain.

Evaluate the risk of fire generated by the equipment used, product/material stored or work/process performed.

• Evaluate the need for, fire detection, and passive and active fire protection.

Evaluate materials and furniture used.

• Evaluate the materials or interior which should be of fire retardant material.

Could there be personnel inside the container during a fire outside?

• Evaluate the need for fire detection, passive and active fire protection, fresh air supply, and cooling.

Will there be people located nearby in the event of a fire?

• Evaluate the need for fire detection and passive and active fire protection.

Are there sufficient escape routes inside and outside the container?

• Evaluate the need for fire-protected escape routes.

Are there environmental considerations to be taken?

• Evaluate the need for, fire detection, drip tray, and passive and active fire protection.

Other nearby fire hazards?

• Evaluate the need for passive fire protection.

Can the equipment inside be damaged in case of a fire on the external side?

• Equipment to work during emergencies.

In the event of a fire, how can the fire be suppressed?

• Evaluate the correct type of detection and active fire protection.

Need for 3^rd party verification of the installation.

• Often stated by the end user. For offshore, this is normally done by 3^rd parties like DNV or BV. In this case, the inspection verifies that the construction has been designed and built according to industry or project-specific regulations. Onshore, this is often governed by governmental laws and guidelines. Thus, it should be consulted with local authorities before any construction or installation is made.

Useful standards to evaluate fire risks in containers and portable modules

• DNVGL ST-E271
• NORSOK S-001

Interested in more support?

If you need architectural support or a turnkey solution providing fire protection then please feel free to contact us. By all means, we will do our best to give you the support or product needed.