Fire strategy plans are a key part of fire safety, and should be implemented to improve building resilience in the event of a fire. They outline the safety measures that will be used to protect occupants and their property, and are essential for achieving legislative compliance.
Fire safety is a complex and varied subject, so it’s important that a comprehensive fire strategy plan is in place for any property to ensure that the correct procedures are followed if an emergency occurs. The plan should also be regularly reviewed to assess any changes that may have occurred and if necessary, be amended accordingly.
A fire strategy plan will help to demonstrate a building’s compliance Fire strategy plans with the relevant performance requirements of the Building Regulations, including the means of warning and escape, internal fire spread (linings), external fire spread and escape, access and facilities for the fire service. It will also identify compartmentation, fire resistance, elements of structure and fire stopping or cavity barriers, where required.
If the fire strategy document is being produced for a new build, it will need to be updated during construction as the building develops, and if significant changes or alterations are made it is vital that this is reflected in the design process and carried out by an accredited fire risk assessor or engineer.
When a fire strategy is being prepared for a residential property, the report must highlight primary and alternate escape routes, ensuring that a person can safely evacuate a building. The most effective way to achieve this is by drawing a floor plan and marking the exits.
Putting the strategy in writing and sharing it with all of the people who live at the property is crucial, and should be done at least twice a year. It’s also important to practice the evacuation plan and hold fire drills, so that everyone knows how to get out of the house if there is an emergency.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all households should have a fire safety plan that includes a detailed map of the premises, showing primary and alternate escape routes. This will help a person to safely evacuate the building if there is an emergency and can be displayed in a prominent position, for all to see.
It is a legal requirement to have a written emergency plan in place, this should be accessible to all of your employees and representatives (where they are appointed). In small premises this might be no more than a fire action notice, but in larger, multi-occupied premises a more comprehensive and detailed emergency plan must be compiled.
DB Fire Solutions are experienced in providing detailed and precise Fire Strategy reports that provide elaborate information about the fire safety features in a building. They can be tailored to the specifics of your premises and provide details of fire doors, emergency exits, and escape routes, as well as a full evacuation plan that will guide staff in an emergency.