Holistic Fire and Life Safety Solutions

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Fire alarm systems are critical building systems designed to detect smoke, fire, and other emergency conditions and alert occupants, facility personnel, and emergency responders. Their effective operation is crucial to ensure occupants can reach safety during an emergency. These systems often interact with multiple other building systems such as HVAC/mechanical, security, suppressions systems, emergency power, etc Interface of these systems can include complex coordination, installation, and operations. At FLINT Fire Engineering we not only design systems but assist Owners, Developers, Contractors, and Design Teams in navigating the complexity of fire alarm system installation and approvals so buildings can open on time, safely.

Preparation saves lives. Fire Safety and Emergency Action Planning increases effectiveness of response during emergency events. In New York City many buildings are required by the Fire Code to have an approved fire safety and emergency action plan approved by FDNY. We can help get your existing building into compliance or prepare your new facilities plan so a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) can be obtained.  Leveraging our local NYC knowledge coupled with experience as a Principal Member of the NFPA 2800 Technical Committee for the Standard on Facility Emergency Action Plans, we are able to assist buildings of all types with Emergency and Fire Safety Planning. 

Building Codes and Fire Codes provide minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare, as well as safeguard life and property from fires and explosion hazards. We have an in-depth understanding of code requirements and their intent which is gained by involvement in the code development process and studying the data and science used to develop the code requirements. This understanding enables us to guide our clients on the implementation of code requirements for both new buildings and renovations, provide technical justification, and when necessary, help gain approval for alternative approaches or variances to the code. 

 Controlling or extinguishing a fire before it spreads is a critical element of saving lives and protecting property. There are a wide variety of applications for fire suppression systems using water as well as gaseous, foaming, and chemical agents. We assess the hazards of your facilities, then select and engineer appropriate and compliant suppression systems. 

Smoke and fire modeling is often an appropriate and necessary approach for designing theaters, atriums, mall buildings, convention centers, transportation terminals, and other complex open spaces. FLINT Fire Engineering uses computer modeling tools like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to design for the unique geometry of a space and right-size the complex, and often costly, mechanical systems necessary for smoke control systems. This advanced approach helps determine the correct strategy for the project for providing both life safety and compliance in a cost-effective manner. 

Smoke control systems are designed to limit the effects of smoke on occupants such that they can egress safely. Be it smoke control systems for atriums, arenas, and theaters, or stair pressurization systems. FLINT Fire Engineering can assist in developing a Design Brief, Section 909 Rational Analysis, and engineering strategy for implementing these complex systems. Commissioning these systems is equally as complex as the design. We assist in the commissioning process with the know how to inspect and develop testing plans for all life safety systems. We make sure the installed system matches the design intent and functions properly. 

Construction projects are subject to review, approval, and permitting processes by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). With extensive experience acting on behalf of and representing AHJs for plans examinations, inspections, and reviews we know how to think like an examiner and/or an inspector. We represent and support AHJs when a municipality may not have the resources or staff availability to support development and construction in their jurisdiction. FLINT Fire Engineering can supplement and complement your team’s existing skill set and provide flexibility for accommodating major development in your jurisdiction. From plan review and inspection of a new condominium project to the construction of a new world-class sports arena, we can assist.   

Healthcare facilities are subject to federal regulations and require compliance with the requirements of NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code, as well as state and local requirements. We assist our clients in achieving compliance through all stages of the property lifecycle from new construction to continuous renovations, and ongoing operations. We can also assist with ALSM or ILSM (Alternative/Interim Life Safety Measures) requirements or conducting a NFPA 101A Analysis for Alternative Approaches to Life Safety. 

Construction support is a critical component to delivering engineering and construction projects. Things don’t always go as planned on paper and having experienced professionals in the field to support construction can save precious time and money. Fire / life safety compliance can often become a critical component to keeping a project on schedule and obtaining a certificate of occupancy. FLINT Engineering helps Owners, Developers, Contractors, and all our clients reach the finish line for their projects. We offer a variety of services to reach these goals such as fire alarm pre-testing, fire stopping engineering judgements, TCO affidavits, pre-DOH walk throughs, smoke control commissioning services, to name a few.