An independent peer review is useful when a project involves a complex fire strategy, performance-based design, an unusual building layout, HRB considerations, Gateway submissions, CFD modelling, evacuation modelling, or design proposals that require additional technical assurance.

It can also be helpful before submitting information to Building Control, during RIBA Stages 3–6, or where contractors and clients need a clear review of the fire safety approach before progressing.

Independent Fire Engineering can review fire strategy reports, Gateway One fire statements, retrospective fire strategies, CFD and smoke modelling outputs, evacuation modelling, fire safety calculations, drawings, Regulation 38 information and wider fire engineering design documentation.

The aim is to identify technical gaps, unclear assumptions, compliance concerns or practical issues before they cause delays, redesign or approval problems.

Yes. An independent peer review can help support Building Control discussions by checking that the fire engineering design is clearly explained, appropriately evidenced and practical to assess.

While the final decision remains with the relevant approval body, a well-structured peer review can help clarify the design intent, highlight risks early and provide reports that Building Control, clients, contractors and responsible persons can actually use.

Yes. Independent Fire Engineering can support projects involving HRB and Gateway requirements by reviewing fire strategy information, Gateway One fire statements, design assumptions, fire safety drawings and supporting evidence.

This can help clients and dutyholders understand whether the submitted fire safety information is coordinated, proportionate and suitable for the stage of the project.

Yes. A retrospective fire strategy may be needed where a building has been altered, refurbished, extended or managed for many years without clear original fire strategy information.

As part of an independent peer review, we can assess the available records, current arrangements, and the proposed retrospective fire strategy to help identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas needing further clarification.

Yes. Regulation 38 information is important because it supports the handover of relevant fire safety information to the responsible person. Independent Fire Engineering can review whether the available fire strategy reports, drawings, system information and safety measures are clear, coordinated and suitable for handover.

This helps ensure the information is not just technically complete, but understandable for the people who need to manage, maintain or rely on it.

Yes. Independent Fire Engineering can provide peer review and fire engineering design support across RIBA Stages 3–6, from developed design through technical design, construction and handover.

This allows potential fire safety issues to be identified before they become costly site problems, approval delays or gaps in final handover information.

Independent Fire Engineering provides objective, practical and technically focused reviews without taking over the original design responsibility. Our role is to assess the fire strategy, evidence, assumptions and documentation with a fresh pair of eyes.

The result is clear, usable feedback that helps clients, designers, contractors, Building Control teams and responsible persons understand what works, what needs clarification and what may need to change.

The peer review report will usually summarise the documents reviewed, key findings, technical concerns, compliance observations and practical recommendations. Where appropriate, it may comment on fire strategy reports, modelling assumptions, evacuation principles, compartmentation, firefighting access, Regulation 38 information and Gateway or HRB considerations.

Our reports are written to be practical and usable, not just technical. The aim is to give clients, contractors, responsible persons and approval teams clear next steps.