Recommendations in a fire strategy report are not just suggestions; they are necessary actions to mitigate risks and ensure legal compliance. Here are some of the most common recommendations you might encounter and what they mean:
- Upgrades to Fire Doors and Compartmentation
This is a frequent recommendation, particularly in older buildings or those with a history of refurbishment. Issues often include:
- Damaged or non-compliant fire doors: Doors may not have the correct fire rating, or seals, hinges, and self-closing mechanisms may be faulty.
- Breaches in compartmentation: This refers to any holes or gaps in fire-resistant walls and floors (e.g., from old pipework or new wiring) that would allow fire and smoke to spread.
Action: Remedial work should be carried out by a certified passive fire protection contractor to install compliant fire doors and reinstate fire-stopping measures in all breaches.
- Changes to Escape Routes or Signage
An engineer might recommend changes if escape routes are too long, too narrow, or obstructed.
- Inadequate Emergency Lighting: In some cases, emergency lighting may be insufficient or not regularly tested.
- Confusing or Incorrect Signage: Exit signs may not be visible, or wayfinding may be confusing for occupants.
Action: Update signage and emergency lighting in line with current standards. Consider reconfiguring furniture or layout to ensure escape routes are clear and unobstructed at all times.
- External Wall or Cladding Improvements
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, a detailed assessment of external walls is now a key part of any fire strategy report, especially for high-rise residential buildings.
- Non-compliant Cladding: The use of combustible materials in the external wall system.
- Poorly Installed Insulation or Cavity Barriers: Gaps or lack of barriers that could allow fire to spread through the external facade.
Action: This is often a significant project requiring a full Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls (FRAEW) under PAS 9980:2022. The recommended course of action will involve working with a specialist contractor to remove and replace non-compliant materials.
- Fire Detection, Alarm, and Suppression Systems
Recommendations here often relate to outdated or inadequate systems.
- Insufficient Smoke/Heat Detection: The current system may not meet the required level of protection for the building’s use.
- Lack of Sprinkler Systems: A recommendation to install sprinklers, particularly in high-risk areas or as an engineered solution for a complex design.
Action: Consult with a specialist fire alarm or sprinkler contractor to upgrade systems as per the report’s specifications. Ensure all new systems are certified and regularly maintained.
- Management Procedures
A fire strategy report is not just about the physical building; it also assesses the management of fire safety.
- Outdated Evacuation Plans: Plans may not reflect the current layout or occupancy of the building.
- Insufficient Maintenance Schedules: Fire safety systems may not be tested or serviced as frequently as required by law.
- Inadequate Staff Training: Staff and responsible persons may lack a clear understanding of their fire safety duties.
Action: Update all fire safety management documents, create a clear maintenance schedule for all systems, and ensure regular fire safety training for all staff and responsible persons.
