There are a number of 'functional requirements' which make up a fire strategy. These involve a thorough investigation into a buildings records, plans and activities. After the Grenfell Tower tragedy the Hackitt Review was commissioned, a key outcome from this report was that the systems, that a strategy details, are not suitably recorded or where they are recorded are not detailed enough for the buildings Responsible Person to introduce management or servicing regimes.
A brief overview of the functional requirements are detailed below
The management processes of every business form the backbone of the organisation and this is the same when it comes to fire.
The Policies & Procedures relating to fire are examined during a fire strategy, this ensures that the fire risks are understood and suitable servicing and testing records are in place. Fire Risk Assessments are a key source of information for a fire strategy and are reviewed as part of this process.
This details the systems which alert building users to a fire incident.
Depending on the building and the activity being undertaken a different alarm system will be required. Such as example of this would be that a fire alarm system for a small office is unlikely to be suitable in a large warehouse or manufacturing site.
Fire Alarms differ in type and identifying the different detection is key in understanding if it is effective and also defines the servicing regimes required.
The Means of Escape is the 'way out' of a building. It may seem obvious but having a suitable number of exits, the correct width, an appropriate travel distance and a suitable safe location out of the building is essential for every business.
Having systems in place to ensure that all building users can escape safely such as emergency lighting, suitable signage or evacuation aids is recorded.
To understand the means of escape and the opportunity, if a fire occurred, for fire to spread inside the building a thorough assessment of inside of a building is conducted.
Passive Fire Protection refers effectively to the compartmentation in the building including the walls, ceilings, fire doors, and the manner in which a building is constructed. This ensures that a fire would be limited in its travel and areas that are designated as high risk, such sleeping accommodation, are suitably protected.
The building materials, and as has been widely reported in the media, can promote fire growth on the outside of a building. This includes cladding, and also includes balconies, roofs, 'green walls' and the materials used in the buildings openings such as windows and external doors. Another consideration is the potential risk from the surrounding environment or buildings on the external of the building.
This is an essential consideration for any business and is covered in various pieces of guidance and legislation. Alongside the access routes, any other services which support fire fighting operations such as hydrants or risers are detailed with the servicing details.
Certain buildings may be required to meet specific guidance, this can range from Schools to Hospitals to Industrial complexes. There may be sprinkler/suppression systems or areas with limited access. Such areas may have Fire Engineered Solutions which are included in the design and construction phase of the building.
Fire Strategies are complex and should be written by a competent Fire Safety Professional that has extensive experience and knowledge of the relevant legislation and guidance.
If you want to find out more about fire strategies contact the team today.
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