WOBO thanks SHP and FSM for their updates.
New guidance released on car park design as growth of e-vehicles impact fire considerations
Published on 5 June, ‘Car Park Design’ provides new guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers designed to address the modern challenges that car parks face.
The growth of electric vehicles and the necessary charging infrastructure has altered the use of car parks in recent years.
Meanwhile, fire safety experts concerned about lithium-ion battery fires regularly cite concerns over the growing risks that large numbers of electric vehicles in one place pose.
Fire safety is just part of what’s covered in the guidance, which is split into two parts:
- Part one is aimed at those involved in procuring car parks
- Part two covers design issues and recommendation for structural and civil engineers
Chair of the Contributor Group Mark Punsdack, a Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers (FIStructE), explained: “As we move to using more electric or hybrid cars, we are now exposed to risks from vehicle compositions and propulsion systems which current design guidance does not acknowledge. We have moral and legal duties to make buildings accessible for all – and car parks are no exception.”
The guidance is available from The Institution of Structural Engineers.
Surge in vent hygiene compliance as fire safety awareness heightens
THE DEMAND for cleaning and maintenance of kitchen extract ventilation systems has “increased dramatically” in the past year. That’s according to the industry’s newly rebranded certification scheme: the Building Engineering Services Association’s (BESA) Vent Hygiene Register.
Firefighters receive vital training on EvacGo evacuation alert systems
FIREFIGHTERS FROM the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are receiving hands-on training in evacuation alert systems following the installation of an Advanced EvacGo system at the Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre.