September 2024: Amends to Approved Document B
extradigital
September 9, 2024
FDS Consult UK conducts Fire Management Strategies to provide a holistic view of the fire safety systems and attributing factors that contribute to safe premises.
At FDS Consult UK we believe that each element of a buildings fire system should not only be highly considered as a stand-alone measure but also as a component in the larger Fire Safety Scheme. Fire Safety Systems are intrinsically linked, and each measure should complement the others.
A Fire Management Strategy plan from FDS Consult UK will outline the key areas relating to the fire management from detection and alarm through to the occupant evacuation plan.
This report considers each element and draws on the fire risk assessment and fire strategy, to deliver a plan summarising the key objectives and any underlying requirements to ensure the safe evacuation of all building occupants.
The purpose of the fire management strategy is to serve as a guide for planning and management of a potential fire threat to a building.
We take into account building usage to ensure management procedures are practical and compliant with the company’s business operations.
The Fire Management Strategy will define the roles, responsibility and accountability of all personnel involved and liaise with the building owner and or manager to ensure these are understood. We will also work with you to identify those who may be especially at risk and put in plans to ensure their safety.
To ensure safety, we will assess the potential fire risks and the likelihood of occurrence. Based on the risk analysis, the Fire Management Strategy will outline the required risk management procedures to be put in place. Based on the premises and risk assessment, a fire evacuation plan will be created.
We will also provide training for the relevant personnel along with testing of all the fire safety systems, ensuring a safe environment.
Along with the testing, we will advise on any required systems that can be installed to prevent and minimise fire risks. Our approach is multi-layered, and our Fire Management Strategies will aim to prevent and minimise the impact of any probable fires by reducing the threat to life and property. All the key personnel will also be informed and instructed.
Furthermore, we would ensure the Fire Management Strategy complies with the Regulatory Reform Order and all necessary legal requirements.
A fire strategy can cover the construction process through to the management of fire safety procedures and plans during occupancy.
Here are 7 key elements of a fire strategy.
There are numerous methods of achieving the performance requirements of the Building Regulations for any type of building or development. The common and most traditional approach is the prescriptive code-compliant design utilising Approved Document B and the British Standard 5588 series (now superseded by BS9991 and BS9999).
However, where the design intent moves away from the restrictive guidance of the above recommendations, fire engineering consultancy can offer flexibility and innovation to explore the various design solutions available within the project: Approved Document B outlines the minimum standards for achieving the functional requirements of the Building Regulations for traditional buildings.
Nonetheless, in some buildings, these prescriptive measures can be very restrictive to the design and use of these buildings. A key aspect of an engineering fire strategy will be to look at project-specific solutions using fire engineering based upon the layout of the building to show compliance with the Building Regulations.
A fire strategy defines and establishes the objectives and performance requirements for means of escape, including travel distances, escape within the apartments, escape within common areas, number of escape routes and more.
A second aim of the fire strategy is to outline the means of escape. A good strategy demonstrates and establishes the objectives for means of escape, including travel distances, escape within the apartments, escape within common areas, escape within common areas, disabled evacuation, number of escape routes and final discharge widths based on occupancy load factors. Each identified Purpose Group will be analysed with consideration given to independent means of escape and any impact caused by reliant evacuation. Inventive solutions will be proposed in order to satisfy the functional requirements of the Building Regulations while maintaining the desired design intent for the buildings.
A fully engineered fire risk strategy will identify the extent of fire protection required throughout the building including linings, unprotected areas and external wall construction standard required.
Both internal and external fire spread will be assessed. Submissions provided will cover all functional requirements and any movement away from the guidance legislation would be subject to detailed evaluation.
A fire strategy identifies the compartmentation required, fire resistance, elements of structure, fire stopping, cavity barriers and fire suppressant systems, where required.
Each requirement of compartmentation and design parameters will be provided to the present Purpose Groups within the development.
Your fire strategy should describe the applicable design standards for external vehicle access, hydrants, location and number of access points, fire fighting lifts, internal access, dry/wet rising fire mains, etc.
It will evaluate current Fire Service access and advise as to the applicable engineering solutions available to satisfy both the Building Regulations and the relevant Local Fire Authority.
Describing key management issues, control of evacuation and fire safety planning. Outline the requirements to satisfy Regulation 38
Finally, your fire strategy will include recommendations specific to your building and its occupants.
Contact us today on +44 (0)1322 387411 or complete the contact form below.
Services
Policies
FDS Consult UK Limited,152 – 154 London Road,
Greenhithe, Dartford,
Kent, DA9 9JW.
Copyright © 2009 – 2023 FDS Consult UK Limited
Registered Office: 152-154 London Road, Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent, DA9 9JW.
Registered in England: 12601647