Does My Business Need a Fire Strategy?
Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for businesses and non-domestic premises that fall within the scope of fire safety legislation, but what about a fire strategy?
Not every business will require the same level of documented fire safety information, and whether you need a fire strategy will depend on factors including the building, its use, complexity and the fire safety arrangements already in place.
Understanding what a fire strategy does can help you determine whether your premises may benefit from one.
What is a Fire Strategy?
A fire strategy sets out the overall approach to fire safety within a building.
Rather than looking at individual fire hazards in the way a fire risk assessment does, a fire strategy considers how the different elements of the building's fire safety arrangements work together.
This can include the building's means of escape, evacuation approach, compartmentation, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, smoke control, firefighting provisions and access for the fire and rescue service.
In simple terms, it provides a clear picture of how the building is intended to protect its occupants if a fire occurs.
Does Every Business Legally Need a Fire Strategy?
Not every business is subject to a blanket requirement to have a standalone document called a fire strategy.
However, businesses do have legal fire safety responsibilities. If you're the Responsible Person for premises within the scope of the Fire Safety Order, you must ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is completed and appropriate fire precautions are in place.
A documented fire strategy can become particularly important where the building or its fire safety arrangements are more complex, or where fire safety information needs to demonstrate how different measures work together.
There are also circumstances within the building regulations and higher-risk building regime where fire strategy information may form part of the information required for building work.
When Might My Business Need a Fire Strategy?
A fire strategy may be appropriate where simply looking at individual fire safety measures doesn't provide a sufficient understanding of the building's overall approach to fire safety.
This could include premises that are large or complex, have unusual layouts or evacuation arrangements, contain multiple uses or occupancies, or rely on several different fire protection systems.
A fire strategy may also be required or recommended when significant alterations, refurbishment or a change of use is planned.
The specific requirements will depend on the building and circumstances, so there isn't a single answer that applies to every business.
What Does a Fire Strategy Cover?
The exact content will depend on the premises, but a fire strategy can consider areas such as:
- Means of escape and evacuation
- Occupancy and building use
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Emergency lighting
- Fire compartmentation
- Fire resistance
- Smoke control
- Firefighting equipment and systems
- Fire service access and facilities
- Fire safety management
The aim is to demonstrate how these different measures combine to provide an appropriate level of fire safety for the building and its occupants.
Fire Strategy vs Fire Risk Assessment
A fire strategy and fire risk assessment serve different purposes and one should not automatically be treated as a replacement for the other.
A fire risk assessment looks at the premises as it is currently occupied and managed, identifies existing fire hazards and risks and establishes whether further action is required.
A fire strategy looks at the building more broadly, explaining its overall approach to fire safety and how its design, construction, evacuation arrangements and fire protection measures work together.
Even where a fire strategy exists, businesses within the scope of the Fire Safety Order still need to meet their fire risk assessment duties.
Learn more about the differences.
What if My Building Doesn't Have an Existing Fire Strategy?
Older buildings may not have a readily available documented fire strategy, while in other cases the original information may have become outdated following years of alterations or changes in use.
This doesn't automatically mean that the building is unsafe.
However, if the intended fire safety arrangements aren't clear, the building is particularly complex or significant changes have been made, professional advice can help establish whether a fire strategy should be developed or reviewed.
A fire risk assessment may also identify areas where further investigation or specialist fire safety advice is required.
Do I Need a New Fire Strategy if My Building Changes?
Potentially.
Changes to the layout, use, occupancy, means of escape or fire protection measures within a building can affect the assumptions on which an existing fire strategy was based.
Significant refurbishment, extensions and changes of use are therefore good opportunities to review existing fire safety information and establish whether the strategy remains appropriate.
Do You Need Help With a Fire Strategy?
If you're unsure whether your business or building requires a fire strategy, professional advice can help establish what documentation is appropriate for your premises and circumstances.
Fire Risk Assessments North West can help businesses, property owners and responsible persons understand their fire safety requirements and determine the appropriate next steps.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your building and fire safety requirements.