Regardless of the materials or processes used in construction, there must be sufficient attention to detail, if the structure is to perform as expected in the event of a fire.

A key control is to use the building structure itself - the walls, floors, doors, and ceilings - to keep fire and its effects in check.

Objectives are to stop spread outside the room of origin, limiting flame penetration into the structure and avoiding the movement of toxic smoke throughout the building, so that suppression and extinguishing can follow as effectively and quickly as possible.

Building trades are in an ideal position to help through the work that they do and the opportunities that they have to spot weak links when working close up to a building’s fabric and structure.