SAFETY. COMPLIANCE. DESIGN.
RADICAL INTERNATIONAL PROVIDES FIRST CLASS CONSULTANCY TO THE RAIL AND BUILDINGS SECTORS.
RADICAL INTERNATIONAL HAS BUILT A STRONG CLIENT BASE OF WORLD CLASS SUPPLIERS
Radical International Ltd is an established independent consultancy based in Derby providing fire engineering, RAMS and support services to the rail, civil, marine, aerospace and plant industries on a global level.
Formed in 2000, Radical International has built a strong client base of world-class suppliers, manufacturers, and operators. Our full spectrum of services has been provided to clients from component suppliers to government agencies.
We are committed to utilising our skills and industry knowledge to help make our clients projects become more efficient whilst also increasing profitability.
30+
Global Clients
500+
Projects
15+
Countries
21
Years In Business
Based on a demand from industry to break away from large, less focused support organisations, Radical International Ltd was formed with the vision of providing excellence of service in terms of responsiveness and efficiency.
Radical International Ltd’s experience has led to the development of a large number of validated solutions and approaches for solving our clients’ complex needs.
These developed solutions are combined and tailored to each project brief to provide a significantly reduced timescale and cost.
We provide a comprehensive range of engineering and safety services, which can easily be tailored to suit all requirements. Our expertise and experience covers a broad range of legislative regimes and best practice.
SERVICES
Fire Safety Design
The fire safety design is the means by which fire safety goals are delivered. We work with all stakeholders to agree goals and derive the best solution for projects and clients.
Regulatory Approval
Fire safety design and development of appropriate fire strategies depends on understanding the basis of design guidance and being able to demonstrate compliance with local regulations.
International Codes
Regardless of location our success relies on knowledge of the basis of fire safety guidance and our effective communication with approving authorities throughout the design process.
CFD Modelling
From well-established empirical calculations to the use of 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD), we can deliver complex computational modelling to overcome financial or design obstacles.
Fire Risk Assessment
The fire safety design is the means by which fire safety goals are delivered. We work with all stakeholders to agree goals and derive the best solution for projects and clients.
Fire Strategy Development
Fire safety design and development of appropriate fire strategies depends on understanding the basis of design guidance and being able to demonstrate compliance with local regulations.
Independent Safety Assessment
Our extensive experience in railway safety and interoperability in signalling systems and rolling stock, ideally positions us to undertake ISA services including braking, doors, traction, automatic train protection (ATP), automatic train control (ATC), interlocking systems, telecommunication systems.
System Assurance
Our assessment and system assurance services can be applied to systems, sub-systems, equipment, and components. These services provide added value and enabling us to support clients in the development of effective safety cases for their design, maintenance and operations.
WHAT IS A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT?
A fire risk assessment is a detailed, step-by-step process whereby your building and on-site activities are reviewed in order to determine where risks are with regards to fire hazards. Where fire risks are identified, actions should be planned to help reduce incidents from occurring in the future.
A commercial fire risk assessment is a crucial element for any business’s health and safety efforts. Not only is it a legal requirement, but this assessment ensures the long-term safety of both your staff and premises from potential fire damage. It’s much better to be proactive in identifying ways to prevent a blaze and keep people safe, rather than have to deal with the aftermath of a dangerous fire in the workplace.
A commercial fire risk assessment is a crucial element for any business’s health and safety efforts. Not only is it a legal requirement, but this assessment ensures the long-term safety of both your staff and premises from potential fire damage. It’s much better to be proactive in identifying ways to prevent a blaze and keep people safe, rather than have to deal with the aftermath of a dangerous fire in the workplace.
RIL's expert fire risk assessors have all the relevant industry experience and latest industry knowledge. We will provide professional advice and highlight any areas for improvement, and can then assist in writing a comprehensive fire risk assessment report which you can keep for your records (as required by law).
WHAT DOES A FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT INCLUDE?
There are five key steps in the fire risk assessment checklist, as set out by UK legislation, which includes:
- Identify fire hazards
- Identify people at risk
- Evaluate, remove or reduce the identified risks
- Record your findings, create an emergency plan, and provide suitable training
- Review and update the fire risk assessment regularly
Of course, this is a simplified overview, so you will likely require more information to complete the fire safety assessment, particularly for larger or more complex facilities. Each industry may also require specialist guidance.
If you need third party support, RIL can carry out a comprehensive, objective fire audit to help you gauge your current situation and fire prevention measures to form a full and proper report with comprehensive fire risk assessment guidance, including:
- Premises Description & Use
- Persons at risk
- Fire Hazards and Preventative Measures
- Sources of Ignition, Fuel & Oxygen
- Means of Escape
- Compartmentation and Fire Separation
- Fire Detection & Warning System
- Emergency Lighting
- Portable & Fixed Firefighting Equipment
- Facilities for Fire & Rescue Services
- Emergency Plan
- Fire Safety Information & Training
- Testing & Maintenance
- Management & Record Keeping
- Action Plan
The areas above need to be assessed in detail, in order to give your Responsible Person the information and prioritised recommendations they need to document a plan in line with legislation. RIL can carry out a comprehensive, objective fire audit to help you gauge your current situation and fire prevention measures to form a full and proper report with comprehensive fire risk assessment guidance.
OUR EXPERTISE IN THE RAILWAY SECTOR
FIRE SAFETY CONSULTING
Radical International offers fire protection consultancy for all kinds of rail applications. RIL’s experienced engineers are the right partners for considering the fire safety aspects for rolling stock projects, including:
We have comprehensive experiences in the development and conduction of the following:
- Fire safety concepts and fire risk analysis
- Consulting on standards (TSI’s, EN45545, NFPA130)
- Evacuation concepts and running capability concepts
- Advanced engineering methods
Radical International uses tools and methods that comply with rail requirements and standards.
By following recognised advanced engineering methods such as smoke tests, fire tests and CFD simulations RIL is able to show the efficiency of fire-fighting systems as well as fire detection system for specific rail applications such as machinery rooms, passenger areas and technical cabinets.
SYSTEM ASSURANCE
Our assessment and system assurance services can be applied to systems, sub-systems, equipment, and components. These services provide added value and enabling us to support clients in the development of effective safety cases for their design, maintenance and operations.
We deliver the full suite of engineering safety studies for new and upgrade projects, including the following activities: Project risk and safety support, including:
- Decision support
- Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA)
- HAZID, HAZOP, FMECA Reviews
- Formal Safety Assessments
- System Integrity level (SIL) Analysis and Assurance
- Software Integrity level (SwIL) Analysis and Assurance
- Safety Critical Elements Identification and Performance standards
- Emergency Response Assessments
- Planning Cost / Benefit of analysis
OUR EXPERTISE IN THE BUILDING SECTOR
FIRE SAFETY DESIGN
The fire safety design (or fire strategy) is the means by which legislative and client fire safety goals are delivered in practice.
A fire safety design can range from a simple decsription of how a building complies with recognised design guidance to a comprehensive solution for specific design challenges that include detailed fire engineering design. We carry this out by using our advanced engineering methods such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
FIRE SCENARIO MODELLING
Our use of fire scenario modelling and safety risk assessment techniques using computer simulation (evacuation and fire behaviour) and Quantified Risk Assessment (QRA) has been successfully implemented on many world-class projects. This integrated fire engineering approach has been used to quantitatively demonstrate overall fire safety and significantly reduce the risk to human life and capital equipment.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM MODELLING
We are also able to quickly run models to find the optimal smoke/heat detector position for each project. By creating a computer simulation of the building in which the fire suppression system is being fitted, we are able to run fire cases and highlight the activation time of the heat/smoke detectors and compare different fire suppression systems such as gaseous and water based (mist and droplets). Once we have located where there are areas for improvement in the current design we are able to add additional fire safety systems and sprinklers.
The CFD model can then be re-run with the new suppression system configurations activated. This provides an easy reference point and shows the effectiveness of various suppression systems in different applications. Creating a project specific plan removes the possibilities of unnecessary systems being specified providing substantial cost, time and space savings.
Our experience allows us to model the following phenomena:
i) Heat release and combustion products from a fire
ii) Radiative and convective heat transfer between gas and solid surfaces
iii) Pyrolysis (thermal decomposition of materials during burning)
iv) Flame spread and fire growth
v) Movement and control of smoke and visibility range (ventilation, extraction and pressurisation)
OUR EXPERTISE IN THE RAILWAY SECTOR
FIRE SAFETY CONSULTING
Radical International offers fire protection consultancy for all kinds of rail applications. RIL’s experienced engineers are the right partners for considering the fire safety aspects for rolling stock projects, including:
We have comprehensive experiences in the development and conduction of the following:
- Fire safety concepts and fire risk analysis
- Consulting on standards (TSI’s, EN45545, NFPA130)
- Evacuation concepts and running capability concepts
- Advanced engineering methods
Radical International uses tools and methods that comply with rail requirements and standards.
By following recognised advanced engineering methods such as smoke tests, fire tests and CFD simulations RIL is able to show the efficiency of fire-fighting systems as well as fire detection system for specific rail applications such as machinery rooms, passenger areas and technical cabinets.
SYSTEM ASSURANCE
Our assessment and system assurance services can be applied to systems, sub-systems, equipment, and components. These services provide added value and enabling us to support clients in the development of effective safety cases for their design, maintenance and operations.
We deliver the full suite of engineering safety studies for new and upgrade projects, including the following activities: Project risk and safety support, including:
- Decision support
- Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA)
- HAZID, HAZOP, FMECA Reviews
- Formal Safety Assessments
- System Integrity level (SIL) Analysis and Assurance
- Software Integrity level (SwIL) Analysis and Assurance
- Safety Critical Elements Identification and Performance standards
- Emergency Response Assessments
- Planning Cost / Benefit of analysis
OUR EXPERTISE IN THE BUILDING SECTOR
FIRE SAFETY DESIGN
The fire safety design (or fire strategy) is the means by which legislative and client fire safety goals are delivered in practice.
A fire safety design can range from a simple description of how a building complies with recognised design guidance to a comprehensive solution for specific design challenges that include detailed fire engineering design. We carry this out by using our advanced engineering methods such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
FIRE SCENARIO MODELLING
Our use of fire scenario modelling and safety risk assessment techniques using computer simulation (evacuation and fire behaviour) and Quantified Risk Assessment (QRA) has been successfully implemented on many world-class projects. This integrated fire engineering approach has been used to quantitatively demonstrate overall fire safety and significantly reduce the risk to human life and capital equipment.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM MODELLING
We are also able to quickly run models to find the optimal smoke/heat detector position for each project. By creating a computer simulation of the building in which the fire suppression system is being fitted, we are able to run fire cases and highlight the activation time of the heat/smoke detectors and compare different fire suppression systems such as gaseous and water based (mist and droplets). Once we have located where there are areas for improvement in the current design we are able to add additional fire safety systems and sprinklers.
The CFD model can then be re-run with the new suppression system configurations activated. This provides an easy reference point and shows the effectiveness of various suppression systems in different applications. Creating a project specific plan removes the possibilities of unnecessary systems being specified providing substantial cost, time and space savings.
Our experience allows us to model the following phenomena:
i) Heat release and combustion products from a fire
ii) Radiative and convective heat transfer between gas and solid surfaces
iii) Pyrolysis (thermal decomposition of materials during burning)
iv) Flame spread and fire growth
v) Movement and control of smoke and visibility range (ventilation, extraction and pressurisation)
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM MODELLING
We are also able to quickly run models to find the optimal smoke/heat detector position for each project. By creating a computer simulation of the building in which the fire suppression system is being fitted, we are able to run fire cases and highlight the activation time of the heat/smoke detectors and compare different fire suppression systems such as gaseous and water based (mist and droplets). Once we have located where there are areas for improvement in the current design we are able to add additional fire safety systems and sprinklers.
The CFD model can then be re-run with the new suppression system configurations activated. This provides an easy reference point and shows the effectiveness of various suppression systems in different applications. Creating a project specific plan removes the possibilities of unnecessary systems being specified providing substantial cost, time and space savings.
Our experience allows us to model the following phenomena:
i) Heat release and combustion products from a fire
ii) Radiative and convective heat transfer between gas and solid surfaces
iii) Pyrolysis (thermal decomposition of materials during burning)
iv) Flame spread and fire growth
v) Movement and control of smoke and visibility range (ventilation, extraction and pressurisation)
OUR EXPERTISE IN THE CFD MODELLING SECTOR
FIRE ENGINEERING AND CFD
Our experience of fire engineering covers all railway sectors from LRV's to high-speed trainsets. the majority of our projects involve long tunnels and underground stations due to the significantly higher regulations and risks associated with this type of operation. our customers and projects are based in the UK, mainland Europe, China, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Japan.
We manage the entire fire engineering lifecycle from concept to operation. We offer consultancy for materials, testing, product assessment and innovative fire engineering using CFD to simulate fire, smoke and gas movement.
Our use of fire scenario modelling and safety risk assessment techniques using computer simulation and quantified risk assessment (QRA) has been successfully implemented on many world-class projects.
This integrated fire engineering approach has been used to quantitatively demonstrate overall fire safety and significantly reduce risk to human life and capital equipment.
Our experience of fire engineering covers all railway sectors from LRV's to high-speed trainsets. the majority of our projects involve long tunnels and underground stations due to the significantly higher regulations and risks associated with this type of operation. our customers and projects are based in the UK, mainland Europe, China, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Japan.
We manage the entire fire engineering lifecycle from concept to operation. We offer consultancy for materials, testing, product assessment and innovative fire engineering using CFD to simulate fire, smoke and gas movement.
Our use of fire scenario modelling and safety risk assessment techniques using computer simulation and quantified risk assessment (QRA) has been successfully implemented on many world-class projects.
This integrated fire engineering approach has been used to quantitatively demonstrate overall fire safety and significantly reduce risk to human life and capital equipment.
WHAT IS CFD MODELLING?
This in-depth modelling aids our team to produce simulations to show how the design of your project will perform in a number of fire cases. Besides predicting how a fire may grow, spread and develop, a more accurate heat release rate for the interior of the vehicle or building can be estimated using CFD.
We are able to quickly run models to find the optimal location and quantity of fire suppression and HVAC extraction systems in any given project. We run credible fire cases and highlight the activation time and compare different fire suppression systems such as gaseous and water-based (mist and droplets).
Once we have located where there are areas for improvement in the current design we are able to refine the design. The CFD model can then be re-run with the updated suppression
System configurations activated.
This provides an easy reference point and shows the effectiveness of various suppression systems in different applications. Creating a project specific plan removes the possibilities of unnecessary systems being specified providing substantial cost, time and space savings.
HOW CFD CAN REDUCE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT COSTS AND INCREASE SAFETY?
CFD modelling is invaluable for large or more complex designs, such as buildings with large open plan spaces resulting in extended travel distances.
Our innovative CFD simulations often provide the evidence to quantify and substantiate that an innovative design is safe for the occupants in the event of a fire.
Guidance for fire safety is generic and can result in buildings being over-engineered and severely restricting the architect's design freedom, whilst still not
Addressing specific fire risks of a building, due to a one size fits all approach. Our performance-based fire engineering strategies are tailored to address the specific risks of the building and ensures at least the same level of protection as approved document B.
Our approach can enable cost savings and more usable spaces and can even produce a building design which is safer than a code-compliant design.
We are able to produce realistic models of the building which allows us to analyse how the proposed building will perform incredible fire cases. As well as the fire spread and smoke movement, we are able to measure the gas temperature, thermal radiation, soot visibility and many other parameters to ensure that the building meets the tenability criteria for means of escape.
Smoke ventilation, sprinklers and other fire suppression systems are critical when designing a building which may not meet relevant fire safety standards. As a result, the design must be validated using CFD simulation in order to prove suitable levels of safety in the event of a fire.
Our approach can enable cost savings and more usable spaces and can even produce a building design which is safer than a code-compliant design.
We are able to produce realistic models of the building which allows us to analyse how the proposed building will perform incredible fire cases. As well as the fire spread and smoke movement, we are able to measure the gas temperature, thermal radiation, soot visibility and many other parameters to ensure that the building meets the tenability criteria for means of escape.
Smoke ventilation, sprinklers and other fire suppression systems are critical when designing a building which may not meet relevant fire safety standards. As a result, the design must be validated using CFD simulation in order to prove suitable levels of safety in the event of a fire.
HOW CFD CAN REDUCE ROLLING STOCK PROJECT COSTS AND INCREASE SAFETY?
Our experience of fire engineering covers all railway sectors from LRV's to high-speed trainsets. the majority of our projects involve long tunnels and underground stations due to the significantly higher regulations and risks associated with this type of operation. our customers and projects are based in the UK, mainland Europe, China, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Japan.
We manage the entire fire engineering lifecycle from concept to operation. We offer consultancy for materials, testing, product assessment and innovative fire engineering using CFD to simulate fire, smoke and gas movement.
ur use of fire scenario modelling and safety risk assessment techniques using computer simulation and quantified risk assessment (QRA) has been successfully implemented on many world-class projects.
This integrated fire engineering approach has been used to quantitatively demonstrate overall fire safety and significantly reduce risk to human life and capital equipment.
Our experience of fire engineering covers all railway sectors from LRV's to high speed train sets. The majority of our projects involve long tunnels and underground stations due to the significantly higher regulations and risks associated with this type of operation.
Our customers and projects are based in the UK, mainland Europe, China, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Japan.
We manage the entire fire engineering lifecycle from concept to operation. We offer consultancy for materials, testing, product assessment and innovative Fire engineering using CFD to simulate fire, smoke and gas movement.
Our use of fire scenario modelling and safety risk assessment techniques using computer simulation and quantified risk assessment (QRA) has been successfully implemented on many world-class projects.
This integrated fire engineering approach has been used to quantitatively demonstrate overall fire safety and significantly reduce risk to human life and capital equipment.
GET IN TOUCH
Radical International love taking on new challenges, if you have a new or ongoing project you think we could help with we would be happy to discuss the options with you. Please contact us via one of the following.