How to Choose a Building Code Consultant: 5 Key Factors
Every building project should have a code consultant who can ensure compliance with relevant codes and provide creative solutions to complex challenges. In this blog, we define a building code consultant and explore five considerations to help you choose the right one for your needs. Who Is a Building Code Consultant? A building code consultant […]
How Hazardous Materials Affect Building Design [COMPLETE GUIDE]
Hazardous materials must be stored in specially designed buildings to ensure the safety of occupants and property. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the ways hazardous materials impact building design and the codes you must follow to ensure safety and compliance. Designing a building that accommodates hazardous materials involves more than just selecting the right […]
Managing Smoke Control Systems in Correctional Facilities [GUIDE]
Correctional facilities, such as jails and prisons, often require distinctive smoke control systems to ensure the safety of occupants while preventing the spread of smoke in a highly compartmentalized environment. In this guide, we look at key aspects of designing and maintaining these systems. The Lancaster Jail Fire of 1979 occurred on December 27th in Lancaster, South […]
PBF’s Austin Grant Joins The Blueprint Tour Podcast to Talk Fire Protection Engineering
Austin Grant, P.E., joins The Blueprint Tour podcast to discuss the value of fire protection engineering in safeguarding lives and avoiding costly design mistakes. Louisville, KY — The Blueprint Tour, a construction podcast hosted by PermitZIP, recently invited Austin Grant, P.E., of Performance Based Fire to talk about the importance of fire protection engineering. Grant was joined by […]
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Manufacturing: A Fire Hazards Overview
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable power sources widely used in various applications, from portable electronics to electric vehicles. However, with enormous popularity comes an increasing risk in the manufacturing of these components. Before we dive into the specifics of battery manufacturing safety, let’s cover a few basics. What’s Inside a Lithium-Ion Battery? Lithium-ion batteries consist of […]
The Complete Guide to Fire Service Access Elevators
A fire service access elevator (FSAE) is crucial in helping firefighters combat fires in high-rise buildings. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about these special elevators. During the tragic events of September 11, 2001, firefighters faced immense challenges in accessing the upper floors of the World Trade Center towers due […]
3 Critical Elements for Commercial Office to Residential Conversions
With office vacancies dramatically on the rise, building owners are looking for new ways to utilize office space. One answer is to convert commercial offices into residential living areas. But before you make the move, consider these three elements. The pandemic has changed many aspects of our daily lives, including how we work. Before, many […]
Aircraft Hangar Risk Assessments: Everything You Need to Know
An aircraft hangar risk assessment is a critical step in ensuring the fire safety of a hangar. But what does it entail, and what do owners and operators need to know about it? We explore everything in this short guide. In 2022, NFPA 409, Standard on Aircraft Hangars, underwent major changes to allow more customized […]
Top 3 Challenges & Solutions in High-Rise Fire Safety
A high-rise building is a complex structure requiring special fire protection and life safety considerations. This blog explores three fire safety challenges in high-rise buildings and offers solutions for protecting your property and occupants. Before we dive into the fire safety obstacles, let’s define a high-rise building. What Is a High-Rise Building? According to the National […]
Celebrating Summit Milestones
25 years ago on January 7, 1999, Summit Fire Protection was established. The company was born based on a dream, a whole lot of passion, and the willingness to take a chance and risk it all. Quint Rubald, our President and Chief Operating Officer of SFP Holding, had a vision. It didn’t take long before […]