A fire strategy is a complex document specifically tailored to a building, reviewing all aspects of the building’s fire safety.
A fire strategy defines the fire safety objectives and performance requirements for a building and the methods by which these objectives will be provided to ensure the safety of occupants and property protection.
Because every building is unique in terms of design, occupancy, and usage, the business needs a unique fire strategy to reduce the risk of a fire and ensure the safety of the people in the building.
Fire strategy
The aim of a fire strategy is to ensure that the people inside the building can evacuate quickly
The aim of a fire strategy is to ensure that the people inside the building can evacuate quickly and safely, protected by the active and passive fire systems.
Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations requires that, where a building is erected or extended, or has undergone a material change of use, a package of fire safety information must be assembled and given to the responsible person of the premises.
A fire strategy is commonly used as a means for collating and providing that information, although in many circumstances, businesses do not do this. A fire strategy also provides peace of mind and security to the people in the building while including certain methods to ensure that the business can get up and running as quickly as possible after a fire.
Key elements
An effective fire strategy should be detailed and unique to the particular building and its contents. There are various aspects of a fire strategy that should be considered including:
- Means of warning in case of fire (fire detection)
- Means of escape
- Internal fire spread/passive fire protection/compartmentation
- External fire spread
- Access/facilities for the Fire & Rescue Service
- Other factors to consider such as increased fire risks present
- Fire safety management for the building
- Additionally, the fire strategy should be reviewed when carrying out a fire risk assessment.
Creating fire strategy
A fire strategy is a highly important document and should only be developed by a competent person with comprehensive fire training and experience.
Total Fire Group’s fire safety consultancy service can help a business put together a comprehensive fire strategy unique to the demands of the building. They can also help the review and update the fire strategy during fire risk assessments.
Total Fire Group really become a true extension of the business. As part of the fire safety partnership they will review the existing fire strategy documentation (if one has any) before confirming if they provide the correct level of information and detail in order to be compliant.