FIRE SAFETY & SECURITY
HOW OHEAP IS SUPPORTING MODERN BUILDING PROTECTION
FUTUREPROOFING FIRE SAFETY FOR MODERN BUILDINGS
For over 60 years, OHEAP Fire and Security has partnered with architects, consultants and contractors to deliver integrated fire and security solutions across the UK. As an NSI Gold and BAFE-accredited specialist, the company supports projects from early RIBA design stages through to installation, compliance and longterm maintenance.
Designing for Emerging Fire Risks
One of the fastest-growing safety challenges in modern buildings is the rise of lithium-ion battery fires across manufacturing facilities, offices and EV charging infrastructure. According to the Fire Protection Association, fires involving electric vehicles increased by 133 % between 2022 and 2025, highlighting the need to consider emerging fire risks at the design stage.
OHEAP Fire and Security helps architects address these risks with specialist lithium-ion fire extinguishers and fire blankets for early intervention. Additionally, thermal imaging CCTV can identify heat signatures associated with thermal runaway before a fire escalates. This enables architects to specify protection that is practical and proportionate to a building’ s intended use.
Another challenge architects face is designing evacuation routes for buildings that house vulnerable occupants, such as hospitals, schools and care homes. Here, life safety systems such as dynamic emergency lighting and lockdown alarms can play an important role. OHEAP Fire and Security design and install dynamic lighting that adapts to changing fire conditions to support safer evacuation, while lockdown systems provide clear instructions to occupants during an invacuation.
Futureproofing Security
As buildings become more complex, security requirements are also evolving. Martyn’ s Law, formally the Terrorism( Protection of Premises) Act 2025, introduces stronger security responsibilities for publicly accessible venues, making hostile threat mitigation an increasingly important design consideration.
OHEAP Fire and Security integrates AI-powered CCTV, ANPR and intelligent access control to support safer movement through airports, transport hubs, retail centres and public buildings. Embedding these systems early can help projects respond to evolving security requirements without compromising the user experience.
Sustainable Protection by Design
Alongside safety and security, sustainability is increasingly influencing fire protection specifications. OHEAP Fire and Security provides PFAS-free fire protection through its Hydrex Eco range, alongside LPCB-approved kitchen suppression, sprinkler systems and automatic gas suppression.
Together, these solutions support a wider approach to designing protection around the building, rather than adapting the building around the technology.
Looking Ahead for Protecting New Builds
Fire safety and security regulations are continually evolving. Leaving specification until after first fix can mean retrofitting systems, adding cost and causing unnecessary disruption.
Through its Fire Safety Consultancy service, OHEAP Fire and Security works with architects and project teams to assess site-specific risks, select appropriate systems and futureproof buildings from the earliest design stages.
About OHEAP Fire and Security
OHEAP Fire and Security has been a trusted name in fire protection and security for over 60 years. As BAFE and NSI Gold-accredited specialists, they support businesses through designing, installing and maintaining bespoke safety solutions.
For more information, contact laurenh @ oheap. co. uk.
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