Fire Strategy Plans & Reports
In the aftermath of the tragic Grenfell fire disaster, and the ongoing inquiry that followed, it has become evident that certain segments of the UK building stock fall below established standards.
About Fire Strategy Plans
The fire safety industry now places a crucial focus on fire strategy plans, serving as a foundational element for conducting fire risk assessments. These documents empower the ‘responsible person’ to plan, manage, and coordinate appropriate fire safety measures, thereby minimising the risk of fire and ensuring the safety of occupants. Additionally, fire strategy reports help risk assessors identify any disparities between the building’s actual use or adaptations and what is outlined in the fire strategy, with potential impacts on life safety.
Understanding Fire Strategy Plans
A fire safety strategy plan is a technical document that establishes the framework for fire safety control measures during a building’s design phase. It differs from a fire safety plan or evacuation procedure and is vital for demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations.
- Means of fire detection
- Warning and Escape
- Internal fire spread (linings and structure)
- External fire spread
- Accessibility and facilities for the fire service
Normally generated during a building’s design stage, a fire strategy report accompanies architectural plans as part of a building control submission. It outlines occupancy levels permitted, considering horizontal and vertical means of escape and compartmentation levels.
Fire strategy plans are not only for new builds; they can be created for existing structures, known as ‘retrospective fire strategies.’ These documents are essential for conducting fire risk assessments, with the important caveat that the assessment must align with the fire strategy.
Who Creates Fire Strategies
Qualified and competent fire engineers are the only professionals authorised to produce fire strategies.
These individuals possess advanced knowledge of fire control and spread, an in-depth understanding of building materials and equipment for passive and active fire protection, and a balanced expertise in life safety, property protection, and the environmental impact of fire. The fire strategy is then documented by the engineer in the form of a fire strategy report.
The Next Steps
- Locate your building’s fire strategy (whether you’re a tenant, sole occupier, or managing agent).
- If no existing fire strategy plan is found, commission a ‘retrospective fire strategy.’
- Ensure it aligns with the building’s current use and construction; take corrective action if needed.
- Regularly review the fire strategy report.
- Make the fire safety strategy report available to your fire risk assessors.
Maintaining a ‘suitable and sufficient’ fire risk assessment, where the risk assessor has access to the fire strategy, is fundamental in managing fire safety responsibilities. Regularly reviewing the fire strategy report is important to ensures its alignment with the building’s current use, fire safety features, and construction, assisting the responsible person in fulfilling duties outlined in The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).
Related Sustainability Services
Fire Strategy Plans are frequently combined with the following additional services:
SAP Calculations
Find out moreSBEM Calculations
Find out moreMechanical Design
Find out moreVentilation Design
Find out moreStructural Design & Calculations
Find out moreBuilding Information Modelling (BIM)
Find out moreSecure your Fire Strategy Today
Don’t leave the safety of your premises to chance. Take a proactive step towards comprehensive fire safety by partnering with Focus 360. Our seasoned team of fire engineering experts is ready to craft a tailored fire strategy plan that not only meets regulatory standards but evolves with your building’s dynamics.
Contact our expert team today.
Click the Get a Quote link to access our online portal, or use the form to share brief details about your project and we will respond promptly.
Why choose Focus 360 Energy
We boast a team of highly qualified fire safety consultants with a wealth of knowledge in fire control and mitigation. Our experts are equipped to navigate the intricate details of fire strategy, ensuring that your building not only meets but exceeds the required standards.
We understand that effective fire strategy reports go beyond physical structures. Focus 360 takes a holistic approach, considering both the architectural elements and the human dynamics within a building. Our strategies encompass not only the design stage but also evolve with your structure, adapting to changes and renovations.
Our meticulous approach to fire strategy planning ensures that your fire strategy not only adheres to Building Regulations but also anticipates any potential deviations.
We work closely with architects to ensure feasibility without compromising safety, making certain that your structure is not only compliant but also resilient.
Choosing Focus 360 as your partner in fire strategy is a commitment to excellence, safety, and compliance. Trust us to safeguard your premises, mitigate risks, and provide a tailored, evolving fire safety strategy report that grows alongside the needs of your building.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire strategy is a comprehensive plan that outlines the measures and procedures in place to prevent, detect, and respond to fires within a building or facility. Fire strategy plans also help to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and support the safe evacuation of occupants.
A fire strategy plan is a detailed document that specifies the actions and protocols to be followed to ensure fire safety and compliance with regulations. Fire safety strategy reports serve as a critical reference for building management, designers, and fire safety professionals.
A fire strategy document is an official record that includes all aspects of the fire strategy, such as risk assessments, safety measures, evacuation plans, and maintenance schedules.
A fire strategy plan should include risk assessments, fire prevention measures, detection and alarm systems, evacuation procedures, firefighting equipment, and maintenance plans. These elements work together to ensure a coordinated and effective response in the event of a fire.
A fire strategy report is a formal document that summarizes the findings of a fire risk assessment and outlines the recommended fire safety measures and strategies.
The cost of a fire strategy report can vary depending on the size and complexity of the building, the scope of the assessment, and the expertise of the fire safety consultant. It typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. Get a free quote online today.
Having a fire strategy plan in place is vital because it helps to identify and mitigate fire risks, ensures compliance with legal requirements, and protects the safety of occupants and property. Our fire strategy consultants work proactively to ensure that buildings comply with legislation.
A fire strategy plan should be reviewed and updated regularly, typically every 1-3 years, or whenever there are significant changes to the building structure, occupancy, or fire safety regulations. Our fire safety consultants can advise on when to have your fire strategy reviewed.
A fire strategy plan outlines the preventative and responsive measures to manage fire risks within a building, whilst a fire strategy report is the formal written document that details these plans. This includes compliance with regulations, and recommendations from fire safety consultants.
Whilst not always legally required, working with professional fire safety consultants ensures your fire strategy plan is fully compliant with UK building regulations and tailored to the specific needs of your building. Their expertise helps identify risks and propose effective solutions.
Yes, Focus 360 Energy provides fire safety strategy reports for both new developments and existing buildings. Whether you’re designing from the ground up or upgrading an existing structure, our team ensures your report meets all necessary fire safety and regulatory requirements.
