The performance-based design methodology usually consists of two phases: the first phase, preliminary analysis: the steps that lead to identifying the most representative conditions of the risk to which the activity is exposed are formalised together with the performance thresholds in relation to the safety targets to be pursued; second phase, quantitative analysis: using calculation models, the qualitative–quantitative analysis of the effects of the fire is performed in relation to the goals assumed, comparing the results obtained with the performance thresholds already identified and defining the design to be submitted for final approval.

The process of designing and managing a building, regardless of its size or intended use, occurs in interrelated stages according to a well-defined logical sequence. The Royal Institute of British Architects, through a graphic scheme better known as the ‘RIBA Plan of Work’, has broken down the design process into individual sequential stages.

Fire risk assessment allows the identification of risk levels of an activity in its design, construction and operation concept with respect to certain profiles.The task of the fire prevention designer, trying to simplify, is to identify the risk factors associated with the activity and then, in relation to these factors, to design the risk compensation strategy through the identification of a series of prevention and protection measures whose combination, in the overall management system of the activity, allows the residual risk to be considered ‘acceptable’. Prevention measures help prevent accidents and are largely attributable to organisational and procedural factors as well as compliance with the relevant regulations in the design and construction of works and facilities. Protection measures, on the other hand, mitigate the effects of a fire as a result of its development and are divided into two large macro-sets: ‘passive’ and ‘active’ protection measures.

Fire-safety management (FSM) can be defined as a measure aimed at the management of an activity under safe conditions, both during operations and in emergency conditions, through the adoption of an organisational structure that provides for roles, tasks, responsibilities and procedures.Fire safety is just an integral part of the activities to preserve health and safety in all sectors. Summarising it can be seen as the organisational tool, split into pillars, enabling four main activities: commitment to health and safety, understanding of hazards and associated risks, risk management and learning from experience from design phase to decommissioning phase. An excellent reference to address this topic is the ISO 31000 standard – Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines.

In this section, we deal with the management of fire safety, framing its prerequisites and application, at all stages of development and operation of the activity, in order it to be considered ‘adequate’ with respect to the purposes pursued over ‘time’.

This chapter intends to present some technical standards widely used worldwide to design fire safety. It is structured into four parts, depending on the organisations that authored the standards: ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation), BSI (British Standard Institute), SFPE-USA (Society of Fire Protection Engineers) and Italian National Fire Rescue and Service. Presented documents are an invaluable reference since they can be applied, in their main principles, to a different range of sectors, being also effective for fire engineers at the beginning of their careers.

FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT Practical methodologies to develop holistic and comprehensive fire safety strategies for buildings and industrial assets In Fire Risk Management: Principles and Strategies for Buildings and Industrial Assets, a team of distinguished authors delivers an incisive combination of risk management principles and fire safety assessment methods that offers practical strategies and workflows to prevent and mitigate today’s complex fire scenarios. The book summarizes modern, risk-based approaches to fire safety, discussing fire safety objectives in terms of functional statements, performance requirements, and detailed protection measures for buildings and industrial assets towards the development of a fire safety case to timely manage risk with a systematic and structured approach throughout the life cycle of the asset. The authors introduce the fundamentals of fire safety and design principles before moving on to discuss topics like fire risk assessment methods, risk profiles, risk mitigation, safety management and performance, and protective layers and controls. Fire Risk Management presents practical methods, often borrowed from those successfully used in other domains, that can be defined, shared, and communicated with multiple stakeholders from different backgrounds and with different needs and perspectives. Readers will also find: A code-neutral examination of fire safety principles that is independent of local regulations Discussions of key principle standards, including NFPA 550 and ISO 45001, and guidelines on fire risk assessment Practical explorations that connect theory with practice in the real world In-depth case studies that walk readers through fire risk management strategies for railway stations, warehouse storage facilities, heritage buildings, renewable energy installations, and process industry plants Perfect for fire safety practitioners, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in the design and operation of buildings and industrial assets, Fire Risk Management: Principles and Strategies for Buildings and Industrial Assets will also earn a place in the libraries of facility owners and operators, safety systems managers, occupational health and safety professionals, and code officials.