What is a fire strategy, and do I need one?
Some of the UK’s building stock appears subpar, as evidenced by the ongoing investigation following the terrible Grenfell fire disaster on June 14, 2017. As a result of this inquiry, the amount of documentation that enforcement agencies now examine during inspections or inquiries, should something go wrong, has increased.
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A fire strategy: what is it?
A fire strategy is a technical document establishing the foundation for building design-related fire safety control systems. It is not an evacuation protocol or plan for fire safety. It must be shown that the following Building Regulations are being followed:
Methods of detecting fires, alerting people and providing an escape, spreading fires internally (through linings and structures), spreading fires outside, and providing facilities and accessibility for the fire department.
Usually, a building’s fire strategy with its architectural designs is created during the design phase and is necessary for a building control submission. The document will also include information on the maximum occupancy levels allowed within the structure, considering the availability of both vertical and horizontal escape routes and compartmentation levels.
A fire strategy is not just necessary for newly constructed buildings; it can also be created for already-existing structures. They are frequently referred to as “retrospective fire strategies.” As previously stated, a fire strategy document serves as a crucial foundation for conducting the fire risk assessment, and it is essential to remember that the fire risk assessment cannot alter the fire strategy.
Who can design a fire plan?
Only licensed and experienced fire engineers can create fire strategies. Fire engineers require advanced knowledge of fire control, spread, and combustion products. They also need a thorough understanding of building materials and equipment for both passive and active fire protection and a balanced understanding of life safety, property protection, and the effects of fire on the environment. The Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) website has more information.
Next steps: what should I do?
1. Find out the fire plan for your building, considering if you are a managing agent, tenant, or single occupier.
2. Create a “retrospective fire strategy” if you are unable to find an existing one;
3. Verify that it closely resembles the structure and function of the building now, and take appropriate action if it doesn’t.
4. Continue to analyze the fire plan document and
5. Give your fire risk assessors access to this fire strategy paper.
Managing fire safety requires having a “suitable and sufficient” fire risk assessment for the properties you own, manage, or occupy. This evaluation must be done with the risk assessor having access to the fire strategy so that they can make meaningful results. Recall to periodically examine the fire strategy to ensure it aligns with the facility’s current use, construction, and fire safety elements. According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), this will let the person in charge demonstrate their responsibilities.
This is a general guide; Assurity Consulting can provide more detailed information. The top independent compliance consultant in the UK with a focus on environmental, occupational health, and safety solutions is Assurity Consulting. With over 30 years of expertise, we assist clients of all sizes and industries with managing their compliance obligations. We ensure that our clients’ organizations are compliant, that their workers are safe, that their processes are efficient, and that their management team is in charge.
