FAQ

Who needs a fire risk assessment?

If you are responsible for a building, for example a employer, owner or occupier of premises that aren't a 'single private dwelling' (a private home), you need to make sure a suitably competent person completes a Fire Risk Assessment.

Fire Strategy - what is it and do I need one?

A fire strategy is a technical document that sets the basis for fire safety control measures from the design of a building.  It is not a fire safety plan, or an evacuation plan/procedure. It is required to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations, covering:

• Means of fire detection;

• Warning and escape;

• Internal fire spread (linings and structure);

• External fire spread; and

• Accessibility and facilities provided for the fire service.

Typically, a fire strategy will be produced at the design stage of a building in conjunction with architectural plans and is required as part of a building control submission. The document will also provide details of occupancy levels permitted within the building, against the provision of horizontal and vertical means of escape and levels of compartmentation.

The requirement for a fire strategy is not only applicable to new builds; they can also be produced for existing buildings. These are often known as ‘retrospective fire strategies’. As mentioned above, a fire strategy document forms an essential basis on which to conduct the fire risk assessment and it is important to note that a fire risk assessment cannot deviate from the fire strategy.