Fire Safety And Risk Assessment Specialists
Fire Strategy Reports
A fire strategy is an essential document that establishes the framework for implementing fire safety control measures during the building design phase.
A fire strategy plan offers valuable information to building owners and occupants, enabling them to create and execute effective fire prevention and protection measures. Furthermore, it forms the basis for conducting a comprehensive fire risk assessment. Fire Strategy entails a thorough examination of a building, aiming to develop a plan that mitigates the potential hazards associated with fire.
FIRE STRATEGY PLAN VS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
The distinction between a fire strategy plan and a fire risk assessment can be summarised as follows:
A fire strategy focuses on ensuring that the design of the building complies with building regulations. It involves developing a plan to accomplish specific objectives, such as implementing fire protection measures. This process primarily deals with the physical aspects of the building, including its physical systems.
On the other hand, a fire risk assessment evaluates not only the key features of the building and its fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers, but also considers the individuals involved. It takes into account the risks associated with the building and its occupants, including their choices and behaviours that may impact safety.
The fire risk assessment is activated once individuals have taken up residence in the building. It acknowledges that the design and risks may change as people make choices and modifications that could affect safety. While the planning and construction of the building are important, they do not determine the actions of individuals that may impact their safety. The law is in place to protect people's lives.
The fire risk assessment is required for all existing premises, except private dwellings, under specific fire legislation, separate from building regulations. Its objective is to minimise risks to individuals present on the premises (excluding firefighters during a fire) by preventing fire through the elimination or control of combustibles and ignition sources.
THE FIRE STRATEGY REPORT
Fire strategy reports are a complex and technical document that should be prepared by a qualified and trained professional, such as a fire engineer or fire risk assessor. It is preferable for the individual to be accredited, especially for buildings with greater complexity.
Under Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations, when a building is constructed, extended, or undergoes a material change of use, a package of fire safety information must be compiled and provided to the responsible person for the premises. This information ensures that the responsible person has access to all relevant fire safety details.
A fire strategy document is a useful tool for organising and consolidating this information. It allows all the necessary fire safety information to be kept together in one document, making it easier for the responsible person to understand and implement the required fire safety measures.
WHAT DO FIRE STRATEGY REPORTS CONSIDER
A fire strategy should cover building layout, fire detection systems, evacuation procedures, fire compartmentation, fire-resistant construction materials, and maintenance schedules.
1. Fire Compartmentation: The division of a building into separate compartments to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
2. Impact of Internal Fire Spread: Understanding how fire can spread within the building and the potential consequences it can have on occupants and property.
3. Impact of External Fire Spread: Evaluating the risks associated with fire spreading from outside the building and its potential impact on the safety of occupants.
4. Routes of Escape and Evacuation Strategies: Assessing the available escape routes for occupants during an emergency and reviewing existing evacuation strategies to ensure their effectiveness.
5. Means of Warning: Implementing fire alarm systems to provide timely and effective warnings to occupants in the event of a fire.
6. Building Layout and Description: Examining the overall design and structure of the building, including its layout and key features, to identify potential fire hazards and areas of concern.
7. Equipment and Access for Emergency Services: Assessing the availability and accessibility of equipment and resources for the fire service and other emergency response teams.
8. Fire Suppression Equipment: Evaluating the presence and functionality of fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers or fire extinguishers, to mitigate the spread and impact of fire.
9. Management of Systems in Place: Ensuring that all fire safety systems, including alarms, suppression equipment, and emergency lighting, are properly maintained and regularly tested.
10. Emergency Lighting and Signage: Ensuring the installation of adequate emergency lighting and clear signage to guide occupants to safety during an emergency.
These are only some of the areas which should be included within your report.
The Building Regulations 2010 - Approved Document B Vol 1 & 2
Is a fire strategy a legal requirement?
In instances where a building is constructed, expanded, or experiences a significant change in its use, Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations mandates that a comprehensive set of fire safety information be compiled and delivered to the designated responsible person for the property.
Typically, a fire strategy serves as a tool for gathering and disseminating this essential information; however, it is unfortunate that, in many cases, such information is not provided. In light of the recommendations from the post-Grenfell Hackitt Review, more progressive building owners are now opting to develop retrospective fire strategies to rectify this deficiency in information.
