New Fire Strategy Document Published By BSI
The PAS911 approach to devising a fire strategy is one that can be qualified; one where there is an agreed agenda and protocols, so the results can be analysed. It uses a number of new techniques, models and analysis tools. What it does not attempt to do is cover specific fire safety topics, as these are already addressed affectively in the vast number of fire standards, specifications and codes of practice. In addition to fire engineers, it is expected to be useful to fire prevention officers, facilities managers and architects.
It is a step-by-step process from the determination of the design basis through to the finalisation of the fire strategy. The process involves consideration of a number of what are called input topics, such as a management and system audit, and building and occupancy characteristics. It takes in strategy formulation using a number of strategy development tools, through to devising a number of output sub-strategies that then lead to the formulation of the overall fire strategy.
The PAS has enjoyed fast-track progress through drafting and committee stages, and has taken just over six months to produce. Commenting at its launch, Paul Bryant said: 'A fire strategy can vary considerably in terms of both content and format, depending on the person or organisation that prepares it.' He continued: 'Since the introduction of the Fire Safety Order there has been an understandable focus on fire risk assessments in the UK, which has somewhat diverted attention away from looking at the overall fire safety picture. A fire strategy is an all-encompassing document designed to overview how fire can impact on a building and a business so, hopefully the new PAS will redress the balance.'
This PAS has been prepared to provide a degree of uniformity in the preparation of fire strategies. It does not provide specific requirements for fire precautions, management or system specifications as these are normally well covered by national standards or codes.
Instead, it provides one recommended process:
- Determination of the design basis; A prescriptive of performance based approach
- Seven input themes with possible considerations. These themes are:
- Management and system audit
- Mandatory framework
- Objectives setting
- Risk and Hazard assessment
- Building characteristics
- Occupant characteristics
- Strategy formulation
- Six output sub-strategies with key headings. The sub-strategies are:
- Fire Policy statement
- Fire Safety (management) strategy
- Evacuation strategy
- Fire and smoke control strategy
- Fire fighting strategy
- Fire protection strategy
- Finalizing the fire strategy
This PAS provides guidance to the formulation of a fire strategy encompassing a set of principles governing the subsequent specification, design and implementation of fire safety and protection systems and of the management of fire safety procedures. The guidance is designed to allow consideration of all factors associated with a fire strategy including life safety, property protection, environmental factors and business continuity.
A detailed overview of Kingfell Plc can be found on the company's website at www.kingfell.com. Paul Bryant can be reached by telephone on +44 (0)845 60 61 999, by fax on +44 (0)845 25 81 999, or via email at paulbryant@kingfell.com.
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