SAFETY, SECURITY & FIRE PROTECTION
OHEAP FIRE AND SECURITY PARTNERS WITH ARCHITECTS, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS AND BUILDERS
FUTUREPROOFING SECURITY
Security regulations for new builds are evolving. Most recently, Martyn ' s Law— formally the Terrorism( Protection of Premises) Act 2025— places new security duties on the developers and operators accountable once a building is occupied, not just the designers who specify the systems.
For over 60 years, OHEAP Fire and Security has partnered with architects, consultants, contractors and builders to deliver integrated fire and security solutions across the UK. As an NSI Gold and BAFEaccredited specialist, the company supports projects from early RIBA design stages through to installation, compliance and long-term maintenance— helping project teams evidence fire and security decisions at every stage, not just at handover.
DESIGNING FOR EMERGING FIRE RISKS
Lithium-ion battery fires are among the fastestgrowing risks in modern buildings 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.
For architects, this means specifying protection at concept stage; for developers and contractors, it means understanding how that translates into procurement, installation and sign-off. OHEAP Fire and Security supports both, with specialist lithium-ion extinguishers and fire blankets for early intervention, and thermal imaging CCTV that identifies heat signatures before a fire escalates.
Evacuation planning presents a similar challenge. Buildings housing vulnerable occupants, like hospitals, schools and care homes, need life safety systems such as dynamic emergency lighting and lockdown alarms designed in from the outset. OHEAP Fire and Security designs and installs dynamic lighting that adapts to changing fire conditions to support safer evacuation. Additionally, the company creates lockdown systems that give occupants clear instructions during an invacuation.
OHEAP Fire and Security integrates AI-powered CCTV, ANPR and intelligent access control to support safer movement through transport hubs, retail centres and public buildings, giving developers and local authorities confidence that a scheme meets its statutory obligations from day one.
SUSTAINABLE PROTECTION BY DESIGN
Alongside safety and security, sustainability is increasingly influencing fire protection specifications. OHEAP Fire and Security offers 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 later— a principle that benefits architects and developers alike, but which only pays off if it ' s applied consistently from concept to completion.
LOOKING AHEAD FOR PROTECTING NEW BUILDS
With Approved Document B ' s September 2026 amendments approaching, leaving specification until after first fix risks costly retrofits and compliance gaps. Through its Fire Safety Consultancy service, OHEAP Fire and Security works with architects, developers, contractors and builders to futureproof buildings from design through to long-term compliance.
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.
www. oheap. co. uk.
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