Writing a fire evacuation scheme, developing emergency procedure notices and applying for approval from FENZ is something that has to be approached methodically, with attention to detail and consideration for the safety of persons within buildings, as every application process must meet with and go beyond the strict criteria laid down by The Fire & Emergency Act 2017 Act and Fire & Emergency Regulations 2018.
UNDERSTANDING & DOCUMENTING INFORMATION
When Safety First are approached to do this work we collaborate closely with the client to establish:
what the building will be used for, i.e. an Office Block as opposed to a Retirement Village complex
the alarm and other systems installed for the protection of both the building and the people in them
the methods used to alert the occupiers to a fire emergency.
The building’s legal identity and building owners details (even if they are an offshore enterprise) must be noted, along with gaining information relating to when the building is operational, various tenants usage, and securing vital information re the type, use and storage of dangerous goods on the premises. FENZ must have this information when approaching - and before entering a building on fire - as combustible hazardous materials present on site will have a considerable bearing on how firefighters can safely deal with the blaze.
Safety First consultants study the building plans and reports supplied including vital information contained in the Fire Engineers Report which is a document produced explaining in full how the building construction and fire alarm systems interact to protect the occupiers when they are evacuating from a building.
DESIGN & PLANNING FOR FIRE SAFETY & EVACUATIONS
We often work with Fire Engineers, Architects and Project Managers in the design stages of a building - ideally well in advance of any building foundations being laid, and before documents are released to Council for their consent.
This is to provide for the most appropriate and quickest methodology of escape from fire for all able-bodied and all vulnerable persons within buildings.
BEHAVIOUR DURING FIRE EVACUATIONS
When creating a Fire Evacuation Plan we take into consideration the proven reaction times shown by people when warned of a fire, how quickly they can react and move towards an exit – how many exits are available for them to use; what if they cannot move down a stairwell – what are our options, and what can we plan for?
We take into account how persons appointed as Fire Wardens will undertake their duties; without endangering themselves. How long will it take them to complete their tasks safely? Will the methods used not impact on our Health and Safety requirements?
FIRE EVACUATION PLANS
All of this information is documented and supplied to FENZ for their approval and once granted signals the start of the management of the building’s fire evacuation plan undertaken either by physical training (fully evacuating the building) or by training the occupiers in the specific evacuation methodology used in their building. This must be done 6 monthly to maintain scheme compliance which the building owner or their representatives are responsible for. If not undertaken the building owner risks considerable fines and possible jail terms.
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