Specialist fire protection systems design to international standards.

Fire protection engineering is the design of physical systems that detect, control and suppress fire in buildings. This includes sprinkler systems, fire detection and alarm networks, gaseous suppression, foam systems, smoke ventilation and passive fire protection measures such as compartmentation and fire stopping.

Sprinkler systems are mandatory in certain building types under UK building regulations, including residential buildings over 11 metres tall and new schools. They may also be required by insurers, particularly FM Global-insured properties. Even where not mandatory, sprinklers can provide significant design benefits including extended travel distances and reduced compartment sizes.

BS EN 12845 is the European standard for sprinkler system design, widely used in the UK for building regulations compliance. FM Global standards are insurer-driven and typically require a higher level of protection, larger water supplies and more rigorous design criteria. We design to both standards depending on client and insurer requirements.

BAFE SP205 is the accreditation scheme for organisations that design, install, commission and maintain fire detection and alarm systems. It demonstrates that a company operates to recognised industry standards and is third-party audited. Osborn Associates holds BAFE SP205 accreditation.

Yes. We have extensive experience in retrofitting sprinkler, detection and suppression systems into occupied buildings, including heritage properties and live commercial environments. Our project management team coordinates out-of-hours installation to minimise disruption to building operations.

We design the full range of suppression systems including wet and dry sprinklers, deluge systems, water mist, gaseous suppression (such as FM200 and Novec), foam systems and kitchen suppression. The right system depends on the building type, occupancy, contents and insurer requirements.