Fire Safety in Design: The Principal Designer’s Role in Coordination

Embedding fire safety into design decisions from the outset.

Why Fire Safety Starts Early

fire-safety-inspectors-onsite-hardhats-highvis

Fire safety is a fundamental part of any construction project and one that must be considered long before work begins. While compliance with the Building Regulations and fire safety legislation sits with the broader design team, Principal Designers have a key role in coordinating how fire risks are considered during the design process under CDM 2015.

At DQS, we work with clients and design teams to ensure that foreseeable fire-related risks are identified and reduced wherever possible.

How Fire Risk Links to Design Decisions

Principal Designers help the project team consider:

- Safe evacuation routes and access points
- The position and type of fire doors and compartment walls
- Integration of passive and active fire protection systems
- Design features that affect smoke movement or fire spread
- Construction methods and materials that influence risk

We don't take on the role of fire engineer — but we help ensure fire safety remains part of early design discussions.

How DQS Supports Fire Safety Coordination

DQS helps embed fire safety into project planning by:

- Coordinating design team input related to fire safety
- Reviewing layouts for safe egress and compartmentation
- Encouraging early liaison with fire engineers or specialists
- Including fire-related risks in the design risk register
- Supporting the inclusion of relevant info in the Health and Safety File

Coordinating fire safety early helps avoid costly redesigns, improves buildability, and protects end users. It also supports client duties under CDM 2015 and wider responsibilities under fire safety legislation.

FAQ

      Does the Principal Designer replace the fire engineer?
      ⌄
    
      No — the fire engineer is a separate specialist. The Principal Designer ensures fire safety is discussed and coordinated during design.
    
      Is fire safety part of CDM 2015?
      ⌄
    
      Yes — foreseeable fire risks must be considered as part of pre-construction health and safety planning.
    
      What are examples of fire risks considered during design?
      ⌄
    
      Common examples include poor egress routes, lack of compartmentation, or using flammable materials near heat sources.
    
      Who is responsible for final fire safety compliance?
      ⌄
    
      The design team collectively — often with support from an approved inspector or fire consultant.
    
      Does the Principal Designer help with the Golden Thread?
      ⌄
    
Yes — the Health and Safety File may contain fire-related info that contributes to the Golden Thread under the Building Safety Act.

Make Fire Safety Part of Your Design Process

Need help embedding safety into the early stages of your next project? Speak to DQS about how our Principal Designer service can support fire-safe, compliant construction planning.

Related Reads: