Fire Safety Plans

A fire strategy plan is a detailed document that outlines the fire safety control measures in place for a building. It covers everything from means of escape to fire detection systems, fire spread control, and fire safety management procedures. The plan provides the framework for preventing, managing, and responding to fire risks throughout a building’s lifecycle.

A fire strategy plan is essential for most non-domestic buildings and multi-occupancy residential properties—like offices, factories, hospitals, and blocks of flats. It’s required under the Building Regulations 2010 (Regulation 38) for new constructions, major renovations, or changes in building use.

Although both are essential for fire safety, they have different purposes:

• Fire Strategy Plan: Typically created at the design stage to outline how fire safety will be managed, addressing technical aspects like fire detection, means of escape, and fire spread control. It ensures the building meets Building Regulations.
• Fire Risk Assessment (FRA): An ongoing evaluation of fire risks in a building that is already in use. FRAs assess hazards, recommend mitigation measures, and ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

A fire strategy plan provides the foundation for conducting fire risk assessments (FRAs). While the fire strategy defines the fire safety design and measures, FRAs ensure that these measures remain effective and compliant over time. The FRA may identify any changes or risks that have affected the building’s original fire safety plan.

A fire strategy plan should be created during the design phase of new buildings to meet Building Regulations. However, it can also be developed retrospectively for existing buildings that don’t already have one, ensuring they comply with current fire safety laws.

The responsible person—such as the building owner, employer, or facilities manager—must ensure a fire strategy plan is in place and maintained. However, the actual creation of the plan should be done by qualified professionals, such as an accredited fire risk assessor or chartered fire engineer, depending on the building’s complexity. During construction or alterations, it’s the duty of those carrying out the work (e.g., contractors) to create the plan and comply with Building Regulations 2010.

A fire strategy review is a detailed examination of your building’s fire safety measures. It evaluates whether the current strategy supports safe evacuation and remains aligned with regulations, identifying any areas needing updates or improvements. Regular reviews help maintain fire safety over time as building layouts, occupancy, and regulations change.

Conducting a fire strategy review annually or whenever significant changes are made to the building’s structure or usage is recommended. Regular reviews ensure that fire safety measures remain robust and aligned with updated safety standards.