FIRE STRATEGY PLAN
A fire strategy plan provides the knowledge that building owners and occupants need to develop and implement effective fire prevention and protection measures. It also serves as the foundation for a fire risk assessment. Fire Strategy is a far more in-depth analysis of a building with the goal of devising a plan to reduce the risks of a fire.
A Fire Strategy will provide recommendations for the best fire safety procedures and evacuation options. Fire Risk Assessors use fire strategy plans to design fire strategies for a structure. They are also used to assist the Fire Brigade when responding to an incident on-site.
FIRE STRATEGY PLAN VS FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
The distinction between fire strategy plan and fire risk assessment can be summarized as follows: Fire strategy deals with the design of the building to comply with building regulations. A fire strategy plan is a plan of action aimed to accomplish a certain objective, such as fire protection measures. This procedure is focused with the physical aspect of things, such as physical systems.
The people are the missing component. The key features of the building, as well as all of its fire safety packages, risks, and equipment, such as fire extinguishers, are all evaluated in the fire risk assessment. However, it also considers the individuals in the equation.
The FRA isn’t activated until individuals have taken up residence. Once people have moved in, the design and risk may change. Individuals make choices and changes that may have an impact on safety. The way a structure is planned and built has no bearing on what people will do that could change their safety. The law is in place to safeguard people’s lives. A fire strategy plan is often prepared at the design stage of a building to demonstrate how the design will adhere to the Building Regulations. It’s especially important if the architect is designing a structure when deviating from Approved Document B’s “standard” guideline is necessary to make the design feasible, since it will outline the engineering solution employed to fulfil the Building Regulations functional criteria.
It then follows the building throughout its life to ensure that all building owners/users are aware of what has been done to maintain it properly and that any limitations established are not exceeded. The strategy develops in tandem with the structure, being updated when changes and renovations are made.
The Fire Risk Assessment is required for all existing premises other than than inside private dwellings under specific fire legislation other than building regulations, and it is designed to reduce the risks to relevant persons on the premises (which is essentially anyone other than firefighters on site if the premises is on fire) by preventing fire by eliminating or controlling the presence of combustibles and ignition sources.
As part of the risk assessment process, the fire strategy (if one exists) would be included. Unless the fire strategy is simple, it is usually above the architect’s skills, hence it is normally prepared by Chartered Fire Engineers, Building Control or the Approved Inspector who is in charge of ensuring that the Building Regulations are being followed
DO I NEED A FIRE STRATEGY PLAN?
A fire strategy will not only help to reduce the danger of a fire, but it will also help to guarantee that people can quickly exit the building should a fire break out. Having a concise plan in place will help guarantee that relevant provisions are in place, such as emergency evacuation procedures and the proper usage of fire safety equipment.
A fire strategy is not only needed because the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires it, but also because it protects your customers, employees, and future business.
THE FIRE STRATEGY REPORT
A fire strategy report is a highly technical, complicated document that should only be produced by a qualified and trained fire engineer or fire risk assessor, who should preferably be accredited, depending on the building’s complexity.
A package of fire safety information must be assembled and given to the responsible person of the premises under Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations when a building is erected, extended, or undergoes a material change of use; and a fire strategy document is a good way of keeping all of this information together.
WHAT IS IN A FIRE STRATEGY PLAN?
- What happens when the fire alarm goes off?
- Are there enough emergency lights and exit signs throughout the whole building?
- How will people know if a fire has started?
- Do fire doors open for simple escape?
- Should they be linked directly to fire and rescue services?
- Is the path sufficient for the number of people in a building you have?
- Is the planned capacity’s destination a place of ultimate safety?
The importance of fire plan documents for fire prevention and safety cannot be underestimated. It’s critical that every building has one, and that personnel in charge of the building’s health and safety have access to it.
FIRE STRATEGY DRAWINGS
In order to ensure fire safety in a building, fire safety drawings must be created. These drawings show the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other important fire safety equipment. They also show the layout of the building so that firefighters can easily find their way around in the event of a fire. Fire safety drawings are an essential part of any building‘s fire safety plan. Without them, it would be very difficult for firefighters to find their way around a burning building and extinguish the fire.
If you are responsible for creating fire safety drawings for a building, it is important to make sure that they are accurate and up–to–date. Fire safety equipment should be regularly inspected and updated as needed, and the layout of the building may change over time. Make sure to keep your fire safety drawings up–to–date so that they can be used in the event of a fire.
TEMPORARY FIRE STRATEGY PLAN
A temporary fire strategy plan is recommended for buildings under new development or refurbishment where an existing fire strategy may not exist. Areas include:
- Machinery risk access
- Emergency signage
- Building population changes
- Means of warning and escape
- Structural protection and load bearing
- Emergency lighting (interior / exterior)
- Compartmentation during construction
- Fire emergency service access
- Fire detection systems
IS A FIRE STRATEGY PLAN A LEGAL REQUIREMENT?
At the moment, fire safety is a hot subject. That isn’t to say that businesses haven’t been negligent in the past. Every business, according to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, should have a fire strategy in place.
Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations requires that a collection of fire safety information be compiled and supplied to the responsible person when a building is built or enlarged, or when it has suffered a major change. A fire plan is typically used to collect and transmit that information, albeit in many cases, such information is tragically not supplied.
REVIEWING AND UPDATING YOUR FIRE STRATEGY PLAN
As the saying goes, “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” That’s why it’s important to review and update your fire safety strategy plan regularly. A fire safety strategy plan is a document that outlines the steps you will take to ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a fire.
It should be specific to your building and take into account the unique features and risks. Your fire safety strategy plan should be reviewed and updated at least annually, and more often if there are changes to your building or occupancy. Reviewing and updating your fire safety strategy plan will help ensure that it is current and relevant, and that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Here are a few things to keep in mind when reviewing and updating your fire safety strategy plan:
- Make sure all occupants are aware of the plan and know what to do in the event of a fire.
- Review the plan regularly and update it as needed to ensure it is current and relevant.
- Be sure to test all fire safety equipment regularly and keep records of all tests and maintenance.
10 TIPS FOR CREATING AN EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE FIRE STRATEGY PLAN
1. Establish a clear chain of command for fire safety procedures.
2. Make sure all employees are aware of the fire safety plan and know what to do in the event of a fire.
3. Conduct regular fire drills to ensure everyone knows what to do and how to evacuate quickly and safely.
4. Identify all potential fire hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate them.
5. Keep all exits and fire extinguishers clear and unobstructed.
6. Make sure all employees know where the nearest exit is and how to use a fire extinguisher.
7. Post clear and legible fire exit signs throughout the workplace.
8. Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.
9. Have a plan in place for accounting for all employees in the event of a fire.
10. Review and update the fire safety plan regularly.
Do you need expert advice on fire strategy and fire safety? Please get in touch.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).
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