Appendix A

Part 2 •
A1 Example fire safety maintenance

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

checklist
A fire safety maintenance checklist can be the recommendations of manufacturers and
used as a means of supporting your fire safety installers of the fire safety equipment/systems
policy. This list is not intended to be that you may have installed in your premises.
comprehensive and should not be used as a
substitute for carrying out a fire risk assessment. Any ticks in the grey boxes should result in
further investigation and appropriate action as
You can modify the example, where necessary, necessary. In larger and more complex premises
to fit your premises and may need to incorporate you may need to seek the assistance of a
competent person to carry out some of the checks.

Yes No N/A Comments

Daily checks (not normally recorded)
Escape routes
Can all fire exits be opened immediately and easily?   
Are fire doors clear of obstructions?   
Are escape routes clear?   
Fire warning systems
Is the indicator panel showing ‘normal’?   
Are whistles, gongs or air horns in place?   
Escape lighting
Are luminaires and exit signs in good condition and undamaged?   
Is emergency lighting and sign lighting working correctly?   
Firefighting equipment
Are all fire extinguishers in place?   
Are fire extinguishers clearly visible?   
Are vehicles blocking fire hydrants or access to them?   
Weekly checks
Escape routes
Do all emergency fastening devices to fire exits (push bars and   
pads, etc.) work correctly?
Are external routes clear and safe?   
Fire warning systems
Does testing a manual call point send a signal to the indicator   
panel? (Disconnect the link to the receiving centre or tell them
you are doing a test.)
Did the alarm system work correctly when tested?   
Did staff and other people hear the fire alarm?   
Did any linked fire protection systems operate correctly?   
(e.g. magnetic door holder released, smoke curtains drop)

115
 Yes No N/A Comments
Weekly checks continued
Do all visual alarms and/or vibrating alarms and pagers   
(as applicable) work?
Do voice alarm systems work correctly?   
Was the message understood?
Escape lighting
Are charging indicators (if fitted) visible?   
Firefighting equipment
Is all equipment in good condition?   
Additional items from manufacturer’s recommendations.   
Monthly checks
Escape routes
Do all electronic release mechanisms on escape doors work   
correctly? Do they ‘fail safe’ in the open position?
Do all automatic opening doors on escape routes ‘fail safe’ in   
the open position?
Are fire door seals and self-closing devices in good condition?   
Do all roller shutters provided for fire compartmentation work correctly?   
Are external escape stairs safe?   
Do all internal self-closing fire doors work correctly?   
Escape lighting
Do all luminaires and exit signs function correctly when tested?   
Have all emergency generators been tested? (Normally run for one hour.)   
Firefighting equipment
Is the pressure in ‘stored pressure’ fire extinguishers correct?   
Additional items from manufacturer’s recommendations.   
Three-monthly checks
General
Are any emergency water tanks/ponds at their normal capacity?   
Are vehicles blocking fire hydrants or access to them?   
Additional items from manufacturer’s recommendations.   
Six-monthly checks
General
Has any firefighting or emergency evacuation lift been tested by   
a competent person?
Has any sprinkler system been tested by a competent person?   
Have the release and closing mechanisms of any fire-resisting   
compartment doors and shutters been tested by a competent person?
Fire warning system
Has the system been checked by a competent person?   

116
 Part 2 •
Yes No N/A Comments
Six-monthly checks continued
Escape lighting

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

Do all luminaires operate on test for one third of their rated value?   
Additional items from manufacturer’s recommendations.   
Annual checks
Escape routes
Do all self-closing fire doors fit correctly?   
Is escape route compartmentation in good repair?   
Escape lighting
Do all luminaires operate on test for their full rated duration?   
Has the system been checked by a competent person?   
Firefighting equipment
Has all firefighting equipment been checked by a competent person?   
Miscellaneous
Has any dry/wet rising fire main been tested by a competent person?   
Has the smoke and heat ventilation system been tested by a   
competent person?
Has external access for the fire service been checked for   
ongoing availability?
Have any firefighters’ switches been tested?   
Has the fire hydrant bypass flow valve control been tested by a   
competent person?
Are any necessary fire engine direction signs in place?   

117
 A2 Example form for recording
significant findings

Risk Assessment – Record of significant findings

Risk assessment for Assessment undertaken by

Company Date
Completed by
Address
Signature

Sheet number Floor/area Use

Step 1 – Identify fire hazards

Sources of ignition Sources of fuel Sources of oxygen

Step 2 – People at risk

Step 3 – Evaluate, remove, reduce and protect from risk

(3.1) Evaluate the risk

of the fire occuring

(3.2) Evaluate the risk to

people from a fire starting
in the premises

(3.3) Remove and reduce

the hazards that may
cause a fire

(3.4) Remove and reduce

the risks to people
from a fire

Assessment review

Assessment review date Completed by Signature

Review outcome (where substantial changes have occurred a new record sheet should be used)

Notes:
(1) The risk assessment record of significant findings should refer to other plans, records or other documents as necessary.
(2) The information in this record should assist you to develop an emergency plan; coordinate measures with other ‘responsible persons’
in the building; and to inform and train staff and inform other relevant persons.
118
Appendix B

Part 2 •
Technical information on fire-resisting

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

separation, fire doors and door fastenings
B1 Fire-resisting separation Fire-resisting construction
The fire resistance of a wall or floor is
General dependent on the quality of construction and
The materials from which your premises are materials used. Common examples of types
constructed may determine the speed with of construction that provide 30-minute fire
which a fire may spread, affecting the escape resistance to escape routes if constructed to
routes that people will use. A fire starting in a the above standards are:
building constructed mainly from readily • internal framed construction wall, non-load
combustible material will spread faster than bearing, consisting of 72mm x 37mm
one where modern fire-resisting construction timber studs at 600mm centres and faced
materials have been used. Where non- with 12.5mm of plasterboard with all joints
combustible materials are used and the internal taped and filled (see Figure 60);
partitions are made from fire-resisting materials,
the fire will be contained for a longer period, • internal framed construction, non-load
allowing more time for the occupants to escape. bearing, consisting of channel section steel
studs at 600mm centres faced with
Because of the requirements of the Building 12.5mm of plasterboard with all joints
Regulations you will probably already have taped and filled; and
some walls and floors that are fire-resisting and • masonry cavity wall consisting of solid
limitations on the surface finishes to certain bricks of clay, brick earth, shale, concrete
walls and ceilings. or calcium silicate, with a minimum
thickness of 90mm on each leaf.
You will need to consider whether the
standard of fire resistance and surface finishing
in the escape routes is satisfactory, has been
affected by wear and tear or alterations and
whether any improvements are necessary.

The following paragraphs give basic information

on how fire-resisting construction can provide
up to 30 minutes protection to escape routes.
This is the standard recommended for most
situations. If you are still unsure of the level of
fire resistance which is necessary after reading
this information, you should consult a fire
safety expert.

119
 Figure 60: Fire-resisting construction

1st floor

Fire-resisting floor construction to protect route above

Cavity fire barrier

Efficient smoke seal

False ceiling

Fire-resisting partition constructed

up to underside of floor overhead

Protected route

Fire-resisting floor construction

Basement

There are other methods and products identifiable. Clear fire-resisting glazing is available
available which will achieve the required and can quickly be identified by a mark etched
standard of fire resistance and may be more into the glass, usually in the corner of the glazed
appropriate for the existing construction in your panel, to confirm its fire-resisting standard.
premises. If there is any doubt about how your Although this is not compulsary, the marking
building is constructed, then ask for further of glass is supported by the Glass and Glazing
advice from a competent person. Federation, you should check whether the glazing
will be marked accordingly before purchase.
Fire-resisting floors The glazing should have been installed in
The fire resistance of floors will depend on the accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
existing floor construction as well as the type and to the appropriate standard,68 to ensure that its
of ceiling finish beneath. If you need to upgrade fire-resisting properties are maintained.
the fire resistance of your floor it may not be
desirable to apply additional fire resistance to The performance of glazed systems in terms
the underside of an existing ornate ceiling. In of fire resistance and external fire exposure
older buildings there may be a requirement to should, wherever possible, be confirmed by
provide fire resistance between beams and joists. test evidence. Alternatively, where there is a
lack of test information, ask for an assessment
A typical example of a 30-minute fire-resisting of the proposed construction from suitably
timber floor is tongue and groove softwood qualified people.
of not less than 15mm finished thickness
on 37mm timber joists, with a ceiling below Fire separation of voids
of one layer of plasterboard to a thickness A common problem encountered with fire
of 12.5mm with joints taped and filled and separation is fire-resisting partitions which do
backed by supporting timber. not extend above false ceilings to true ceiling
height. This may result in unseen fire spread
There are other, equally valid, methods and and a loss of vital protection to the escape
products available for upgrading floors. If you routes. It is important therefore to carefully
are in any doubt you should ask the advice of check all such partitions have been installed
a competent person and ensure that the product correctly.
is installed in accordance with instructions from
the manufacturer or supplier. CLASP and SCOLA type construction
CLASP (Consortium of Local Authorities Special
Fire-resisting glazing Programme) and SCOLA (Second Consortium
The most common type of fire-resisting glazing of Local Authorities) are total or systematic
is 6mm Georgian wired glazing, which is easily methods of construction that were developed
120
to provide consistent building quality, while thermosetting plastics will be suitable if

Part 2 •
reducing the need for traditional skilled labour. flame-retardant treated to achieve a
They consist of a metal frame upon which Class 1 standard.
structural panels are fixed. This results in
Class 3: Materials suitable for use in rooms

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

hidden voids through which fire may spread.
of less than 30m2
It is important that cavity barriers that restrict
the spread of fire are installed appropriately, • Such materials include all those referred to
especially to walls and floors that need to be in Class 1, including those that have not
fire-resisting. If you are in any doubt as to been flame-retardant treated and certain
whether any remedial work will be required, dense timber or plywood and standard
then ask for advice from a competent person. glass-reinforced polyesters.
The equivalent European classification standard
Breaching fire separation
will also be acceptable. Further details about
To ensure effective protection against fire,
internal linings and classifications are available
walls and floors providing fire separation must
in Approved Document B.24 Appropriate testing
form a complete barrier, with an equivalent
procedures are detailed in BS 476-732 and
level of fire resistance provided to any openings
where appropriate BS EN 13501-1.33
such as doors, ventilation ducts, pipe passages
or refuse chutes.
Further guidance on types of fire-resisting
construction has been published by the
The passing of services such as heating pipes
Building Research Establishment.34
or electrical cables through fire-resisting
partitions leaves gaps through which fire and
smoke may spread. This should be rectified
by suitable fire stopping and there are many B2 Fire-resisting doors
proprietary products available to suit particular
types of construction. Such products should Requirements of a fire-resisting door
be installed by competent contractors. Effective fire-resisting doors (see Figure 61) are
vital to ensure that the occupants can evacuate
Décor and surface finishes of walls, to a place of safety. Correctly specified and
ceilings and escape routes well-fitted doors will hold back fire and smoke
The materials used to line walls and ceilings preventing escape routes becoming unusable,
can contribute significantly to the spread of as well as preventing the fire spreading from
flame across their surface. Most materials that one area to another.
are used as surface linings will fall into one of
three classes of surface spread of flame. The Fire-resisting doors are necessary in any
following are common examples of acceptable doorway located in a fire-resisting structure.
materials for various situations: Most internal doors are constructed of timber.
These will give some limited protection against
Class 0: Materials suitable for circulation fire spread, but only a purpose-built fire-resisting
spaces and escape routes door that has been tested to an approved
standard will provide the necessary protection.
• Such materials include brickwork, Metal fire-resisting doors are also available and
blockwork, concrete, ceramic tiles, plaster specific guidance for these follows.
finishes (including rendering on wood or
metal lathes), wood-wool cement slabs and All fire-resisting doors are rated by their
mineral fibre tiles or sheets with cement or performance when tested to an appropriate
resin binding. standard. The level of protection provided by
Note: Additional finishes to these surfaces may the door is measured, primarily by determining
be detrimental to the fire performance of the the time taken for a fire to breach the integrity
surface and if there is any doubt about this (E), of the door assembly, together with its
then consult the manufacturer of the finish. resistance to the passage of hot gases and flame.

Class 1: Materials suitable for use in all It may be possible to upgrade the fire resistance
rooms but not on escape routes of existing doors. Further information is available
from the Building Research Establishment69 or
• Such materials include all the Class 0 Timber Research and Development Association.70
materials referred to above. Additionally,
timber, hardboard, blockboard, particle Timber fire-resisting doors require a gap of
board, heavy flock wallpapers and 2-4mm between the door leaf and the frame.
121
 However, larger gaps may be necessary to supplier who can provide documentary
ensure that the door closes flush into its frame evidence that the door continues to achieve
when smoke seals are fitted. Further information the required rating.
is available in BS 4787-1.71 For fire-resisting
purposes the gap is normally protected by Fire-resisting door furniture
installing an intumescent seal, in either the
Hinges
door or, preferably, the frame. The intumescent
To ensure compliance with their rated fire
seal expands in the early stages of a fire and
performance, fire-resisting doors need to be
enhances the protection given by the door.
hung with the correct number, size and quality
Additional smoke seals will restrict the spread
of hinges. Normally a minimum of three hinges
of smoke at ambient temperatures. Doors fitted
is required, however the manufacturer’s
with smoke seals, either incorporated in the
instructions should be closely followed. BS EN
intumescent seal or fitted separately, have their
193537 including Annex B, is the appropriate
classification code suffixed with an ‘S’.
standard.
The principal fire-resisting door categories are:
Alternative door mountings
• E20 fire-resisting door providing 20 minutes Although the most common method of hanging
fire resistance (or equivalent FD 20S). a door is to use single axis hinges, alternative
(Note: Many suppliers no longer provide methods are employed where the door is
an E 20 type fire-resisting door.) required to be double swing or mounted on
pivots for other reasons.
• E30 fire-resisting door providing 30 minutes
fire resistance (or equivalent FD 30S).
Floor mounted controlled door closing devices
• E60 fire-resisting door providing 60 minutes are the most common method regularly found
fire resistance (or equivalent FD 60S). with timber, glass and steel doors while transom
mounted devices are commonly used with
Timber fire-resisting doors are available that aluminium sections. In each case reference
will provide up to 120 minutes fire resistance should be made to the fire test report for
but their use is limited to more specialised details as to compliance with the composition
conditions which are beyond the scope of of the door assembly including the door
this guidance. mounting conditions.

Metal fire-resisting doors Self-closing devices

Although the majority of fire-resisting doors are All fire-resisting doors, other than those to
made from timber, metal fire-resisting doors, locked cupboards and service ducts should
which meet the appropriate Standard, can be fitted with an appropriately controlled self-
often be used for the same purpose. However, closing device that will effectively close the
there are situations where they are more door from any angle. In certain circumstances,
appropriate. The majority of metal fire-resisting concealed, jamb-mounted closing devices may
door manufacturers will require the use of be specified and in these cases should be
bespoke frames and hardware for their door sets. capable of closing the door from any angle
and against any latch fitted to the door; spring
See BS EN 1634-135 and BS 476-2236 for more hinges are unlikely to be suitable. Further
information. information is available in BS EN 1154.38

For detailed guidance refer to Approved Rising butt hinges are not suitable for use as
Document B.24 a self-closing device due to their inability to
close and latch the door from any angle.
Glazing in fire-resisting doors
Although glazing provides additional safety in Automatic door hold-open/release devices
everyday use and can enhance the appearance for self-closing fire doors
of fire-resisting doors, it should never reduce These devices are designed to hold open self-
the fire resistance of the door. The opening closing fire doors or allow them to swing free
provided in the door for the fire-resisting during normal use. In the event of a fire alarm the
glazing unit(s), fitted in a proven intumescent device will then release the door automatically,
glazing system, and the fitting of the beading allowing the self-closing mechanism to close
are critical, and should only be entrusted to a the door.
competent person. In all cases the door and
glazing should be purchased from a reputable
122
Such devices are particularly useful in situations Other devices, including self-contained devices

Part 2 •
where self-closing doors on escape routes are which perform a similar function, that are not
used regularly by significant numbers of connected directly to a fire alarm system and
people, or by people with impaired mobility are not therefore able to meet the above criteria

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

who may have difficulty in opening the doors. are available and may be acceptable where a
site-specific risk assessment can show that they
Typical examples of such devices include: are appropriate. Such devices are unlikely to
be suitable for use on doors protecting single
• electro-magnetic devices fitted to the fire-
stairways or other critical means of escape.
resisting door which release when the fire
detection and warning system operates,
In all cases where a door hold open device is used
allowing a separate self-closer to close
it should be possible to close the door manually.
the door;
• electro-magnetic devices within the A site-specific risk assessment should be
controlled door closing device which undertaken before any type of automatic door
function on the operation of the fire hold open/release device is installed. If you are
detection and warning system; and unsure about the suitability of such devices in
your premises, you should seek the advice of a
• ‘free swing’ controlled door closing
competent person.
devices, which operate by allowing the
door leaf to work independently of the
Further guidance about automatic door hold
closing device in normal conditions. An
open/release devices is given in BS EN 115572
electro-magnetic device within the spring
or BS 5839-3.40
mechanism linked to the fire detection
and warning system ensures that the door
Door co-ordinators
closes on the operation of the system.
Where pairs of doors with rebated meeting
stiles are installed it is critical that the correct
Note: Free swing devices may not be suitable
closing order is maintained. Door coordinators
in some situations, such as corridors, where
to BS EN 115873 should be fitted and fully
draughts are a problem and the doors are
operational in all cases where the doors are
likely to swing uncontrolled, causing possible
self-closing.
difficulty or injury to certain people e.g. those
with certain disabilities, the elderly and frail, or
Installation and workmanship
young children.
The reliability and performance of correctly
specified fire-resisting doors can be undermined
Automatic door hold open/release devices
by inadequate installation. It is important that
fitted to doors protecting escape routes should
installers with the necessary level of skill and
only be installed in conjunction with an
knowledge are used. Accreditation schemes for
automatic fire detection and warning system
installers of fire-resisting doors are available.
incorporating smoke detectors, that is designed
to protect the escape routes in the building
Fire-resisting doors and shutters will require
(see Part 2, Section 2).
routine maintenance, particularly to power
operation and release and closing mechanisms.
In all cases the automatic device should release
the fire-resisting door allowing it to close
Further information is available on fire-resisting
effectively within its frame when any of the
doors in BS 8214.41 If you are unsure about the
following conditions occur:
quality, the effectiveness or the fitting of your
fire-resisting doors consult a fire safety expert.
• the detection of smoke by an automatic
detector;
For further guidance on the selection and
• the actuation of the fire detection and maintenance of door furniture suitable for use
alarm system by manual means, e.g. on timber fire resisting and escape doors refer
operation of break glass call point; to the Building Hardware Industry Federation
(BHIF) Code of Practice – Hardware for Timber
• any failure of the fire detection and alarm
Fire and Escape Doors.74
system; or
• any electrical power failure.

123
 Figure 61: A fire resisting and smoke stopping door

Ideally the frame should be to the

same standard as the door,
purchased together as a door set
Door closer, see BS EN 115438 for
further information

Hinges – see BS 1935.37 Hinges should

be tested as part of the door set to
BS EN 1634-239

Vision panel should be fire-resisting glazing

Securing device –
lock, emergency
exit device Door handles and locks – see BS EN 190686
or panic Annex C and BS EN 1220985 Annex A
exit device. See respectively for further information.
BS EN 12209,85 Door handles and locks should be tested
BS EN 17943 as part of a door set – see BS EN 1634-135
or BS EN 112542 for further information
respectively for
further information

Intumescent strip and cold smoke seal

to resist the passage of smoke and fire

B3 Door-fastening devices unlimited access but still enables the occupants

of a building or area to open the door easily
The relationship between the securing of if there is a fire. These devices can take many
doors against unwanted entry and the ability to forms but, in the majority of cases, premises
escape through them easily in an emergency where there are members of the public present
has often proved problematical. Careful or others who are not familiar with the building
planning and the use of quality materials should use panic exit bar devices (i.e. push
remain the most effective means of satisfying bars or touch bars). See BS EN 112542 for
both of these objectives. further information

Any device that impedes people making good Premises that have limited numbers of staff or
their escape, either by being unnecessarily others who are familiar with the building and
complicated to manipulate or not being readily where panic is not likely may use devices (i.e.
openable, will not be acceptable. push pads or lever handles). See BS EN 17943
for further information.
Guidance on fire exits starts from the position
that doors on escape routes should not be In some larger premises, when only certain
fitted with any locking devices (electrically staff are on the premises and there is a security
operated or otherwise). However, it is accepted issue, it may be acceptable to restrict the
that in many cases the need for security will number of emergency exits imediately
require some form of device that prevents available, e.g. when only security staff are
124
present at night, or prior to opening the premises operation of the panic bar or other exit device.

Part 2 •
in the morning. Staff should be made fully aware Periods of between five and 60 seconds can be
of any restrictions and the number of exits not pre-set at the manufacturing stage or can be
immediately available should be limited. adjusted when fitted. These are not usually

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

acceptable for use by members of the public,
Electrical locking devices pupils or students. However, they may be
Electrically operated entry control devices have acceptable in non-student areas for use by staff
been developed for use as locking devices on who are familiar with their operation and are
fire exits. They fall into two main categories, suitably trained in their use.
electronmechanical and electromagnetic.
Management of electronic door-control
• Electromechanical devices devices including time delays
The use of such devices may be accepted by
Electromechnical devices comprise
enforcing authorities if the responsible person
electromechanical lock keeps and draw bolts,
can demonstrate, through a suitable risk
which can be controlled by people inside the
assessment for each individual door, both the
premises by entering a code or by using ‘smart
need and the adequate management controls
cards’, which have been adapted to control the
to ensure that people can escape safely from
exit from certain areas. These devices have
the premises. In particular:
been fitted in many premises and may be
linked to the fire-detection and/or warning • Access control should not be confused
system. Experience has shown that these with exit control. Many devices are
devices can fail to open in a number of ways. available which control the access to the
They are dependent on a spring mechanism to premises but retains the immediate escape
return the lock keep or draw bolt(s) and are facility from the premises.
liable to jam when pressure is applied to the
• In public areas, when push bars are
door. It is also relatively easy to fit them
operated on escape doors, they should
incorrectly. Electromechanical locking devices
release the electromagnetic locks
are normally unacceptable on escape doors,
immediately and allow the exit doors to open.
unless they are fitted with a manual means of
overriding the locking mechanism such as a • The requirement for exit control should be
push bar, push pad or lever handle or that carefully assessed and should not be seen
they do not rely on a spring mechanism, fail- as a substitute for good management of the
safe open and are not affected by pressure, employees and occupants.
in which case the criteria for electromagnetic
• All other alternatives should have been
devices should be applied.
explored/evauated prior to using these
devices to ensure they do not affect the
• Electromagnetic devices
safety of occupants.
These devices comprise of a magnet and a
• The device should be connected to the
simple fixed retaining plate with no moving
fire warning and/or detection system.
parts and are therefore generally considered
to be more reliable due to their inherent ‘fail- • The device should incorporate a bypass
safe unlocked’ operation. Electromagnetic locking circuit for immediate release on activation
devices go some way to addressing the of the fire warning and/or detection system.
particular concerns surrounding electromechanical
• Each door should be fitted with a single
locking systems. The release of this type of
securing device.
device is controlled by the interruption of
electrical current to an electromagnet either • The emergency exit doors should be
manually via a switch or other means, break- clearly labelled about how to operate them.
glass point (typically coloured green), or by
• Adequate control measures should
linking to the fire-warning and/or detection
be put in place to ensure the safety of
system of the premises.
the occupants.
Time-delay devices on escape routes
The use of electronic door-locking devices
A further development is the fitting of a time-
should be considered with particular care
delay system to the electronic door-locking
in premises with a number of different
device. This delays the actual opening of an
occupancies. The management of a complicated
exit door for a variable period following
system of evacuation for many different groups
is unlikely to be practicable.
125
 The technical standards in respect of sourcing,
maintaining and testing must be extremely high.

When part of the management control system

involves trained personnel helping others at
these doors, it is vital to ensure these people
are available.

The use of exit control devices should not

be considered where the number of trained
personnel is low or students/pupils would be
expected to operate the devices without help.
Their use in educational premises should
generally be restricted to staff only areas of
the premises.

In premises where there may be large numbers

of people, the devices should only be considered
when linked to a comprehensive automatic fire-
detection and warning system in accordance
with BS 5839-1.16 There should be an additional
means of manually overriding the locking
device at each such exit (typically a green
break-glass point).

The use of time-delay systems that prevent the

opening of emergency exits for a pre-set time
are primarily used to improve security. These
add a further layer of complexity to the fire
strategy and should not be considered in areas
used by students/pupils. They should only
be used in staff areas when all other options
such as exterior boundary management have
been addressed.

British Standard 822044 gives further advice on

security in buildings and while this standard
does refer to electronic locking devices, it also
acknowledges that the balance must remain
on the side of emergency escape rather
than security.

126
Appendix C

Part 2 •
Historic buildings

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

General considerations Should the design and nature of the historic
This appendix offers additional information building preclude the introduction of
about listed and historical buildings. conventional fire safety features, it will be
necessary to manage the building in such a
Fire risk assessments conducted for an way that:
educational premises which is within a listed
• limits the number of occupants, either staff
or historic building will need to ensure that a
or members of the public, inside the
balance is struck between ensuring sufficient
building;
fire safety measures are in place for the safety
of people, yet avoid extensive alterations and • limits activities in the building; and
helping to maintain the character of the building.
• provides adequate supervision within the
building.
As well as the fire risk assessment it is
recommended that a general fire policy statement
Historic buildings that open to the public may
and manual is compiled. A person must be
wish to designate parts as ‘off limits’ to the
nominated to take responsibility for all aspects
general public. The locking of internal doors or
of fire safety. Usually the person charged with
the use of fixed or movable barriers should not
the management and control of the premises
restrict alternative escape routes being made
will be the ‘responsible person’ under the Order.1
available.
The advice and/or consent of a building
Liaison with the fire and rescue service
control body or any other relevant bodies (e.g.
The responsible person will need to ensure
English Heritage)should form part of any fire
effective liaison with the fire and rescue service
risk assessment that impacts on the character
to enable them to carry out firefighting
of the building (e.g. replacement of doors,
operations. These may include information on:
fittings, wooden panelling and dècor) or material
changes to existing escape routes. An ideal • the provision of water supplies, seasonal
solution is one that is reversible, enabling the ponds, lakes and underground tanks, and
historic elements to be reinstated. any associated pumps;
• difficult access for fire engines;
A fire safety advisor will be able to suggest
alternatives to conventional fire precautions, • particular hazards in the construction
such as: features of the building (including
asbestos);
• a fire engineering solution;
• the use of combustible under floor
• upgrading existing doors and partitions in a
insulation;
sympathetic manner to improve their fire
resistance; and • underground vaults ducts and voids where
fire may spread unchecked;
• considering the installation of specialist
fire-detection or suppression systems. • worn stone slabs in stairway construction; and
• the presence of cast iron columns and
wrought iron beams.

127
 Emergency planning • Summary and conclusions of the report
An important consideration for the owners and into fire protection measures for the Royal
trustees is the protection of valuable artefacts Palaces by Sir Alan Bailey following the
and paintings from the effects of fire. However, Windsor Castle fire, 1992.
the efficient evacuation of all occupants must
take precedence over procedures for limiting
• The fire at Upton Park, The National Trust.
damage to property and contents. Salvage • Timber panelled doors and fire,
work should be limited to those parts of the English Heritage
building not directly affected by the fire.
• Fire safety in historic town centres,
English Heritage and Cheshire Fire and
Fire wardens and others tasked with carrying
Rescue Service.
out salvage work should have received formal
training, adequate protection and be fully
briefed about the health and safety risk
assessment carried out to identify the dangers
associated with this activity. Further detailed
advice on fire safety in historic buildings can
found in the following publications:
• BS 7913: Guide to the principles of the
conservation of historic buildings, British
Standards Institution.
• Heritage under fire: A guide to the
protection of historic buildings, Fire
Protection Association (for the UK Working
Party on Fire Safety in Historic Buildings)
1991, ISBN 0 902167 94 4.
• The Installation of Sprinkler Systems in
Historic Buildings (Historic Scotland
Technical Advice Note S.), Fire Protection
Association (TCRE Division/Scottish
Conservation Bureau, Hist.) 1998,
ISBN 1 900168 63 4.
• Fire Protection Measures in Scottish Historic
Buildings: Advice on Measures Required to
Minimise the Likelihood of Fire Starting and
to Alleviate the Destructive Consequences
of Fire in Historic Buildings (Technical
Advice Note), TCRE Division/Scottish
Conservation Bureau, Hist. 1997,
ISBN 1 900168 41 3.
• Fire Risk Management in Heritage Buildings
(Technical Advice Note), TCRE
Division/Scottish Conservation Bureau,
Hist. 2001, ISBN 1 900168 71 5.

128
Appendix D

Part 2 •
Glossary

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

These definitions are provided to assist the
responsible person in understanding some of
the technical terms used in this guide. They are
not exhaustive and more precise definitions
may be available in other guidance.

Term Definition

Access room A room through which the only escape route from an inner room passes.

Accommodation stairway A stairway, additional to that required for means of escape

purposes, provided for the convenience of occupants.

Alterations notice If your premises are considered by the enforcing authority to be

high risk, they may issue an alterations notice that requires you to
inform them before making any material alterations to your premises.

Alternative escape route Escape routes sufficiently separated by either direction and space,
or by fire-resisting construction to ensure that one is still available
irrespective of the location of a fire.

Approved Document B (ADB)24 Guidance issued by Government in support of the fire safety
aspects of the building regulations.

As low as reasonably practicable Is a concept where risks should continue to be reduced until you
reach a point where the cost and effort to reduce the risk further
would be grossly disproportionate to the benefit achieved.

Automatic fire-detection system A means of automatically detecting the products of a fire and
sending a signal to a fire warning system. The design and
installation should conform to BS 5839-1.16 See ‘Fire warning’.

Basement A storey with a floor which at some point is more than 1,200mm
below the highest level of ground adjacent to the outside walls,
unless, and for escape purposes only, such area has adequate,
independent and separate means of escape.

Child Anyone who is not over compulsory school age, i.e. before or just
after their 16th birthday.

Class 0, 1 or 3 surface spread Classes of surface spread of flame for materials needed to line
of flame the walls and ceilings of escape routes. See Appendix B for
further information.

Combustible material A substance that can be burned

Compartment wall and/or floor A fire-resisting wall or floor that separates one fire compartment
from another.

Competent person A person with enough training and experience or knowledge and
other qualities to enable them properly to assist in undertaking the
preventive and protective measures.

129
 Term Definition

Dangerous substance 1. A substance which because of its physico-chemical or

chemical properties and the way it is used or is present at the
workplace creates a risk.

2. A substance subject to the Dangerous Substances and

Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).

Dead end Area from which escape is possible in one direction only.

Direct distance The shortest distance from any point within the floor area to the
nearest storey exit, or fire-resisting route, ignoring walls, partitions
and fixings.

Domestic premises Premises occupied as a private dwelling, excluding those areas

used in common by the occupants of more than one such dwelling.

Emergency escape lighting Lighting provided to illuminate escape routes that will function if
the normal lighting fails.

Enforcing authority The fire and rescue authority or any other authority specified in
Article 25 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.1

Escape route Route forming that part of the means of escape from any point in
the premises to a final exit.

Evacuation lift A lift that may be used for the evacuation of people with
disabilities, or others, in a fire

External escape stair Stair providing an escape route, external to the building.

Fail-safe Locking an output device with the application of power and

having the device unlock when the power is removed. Also known
as fail unlock, reverse action or power locked.

False alarm A fire signal, usually from a fire warning system, resulting from a
cause other than fire.

Final exit An exit from a building where people can continue to disperse in
safety and where they are no longer at danger from fire and/or smoke.

Fire compartment A building, or part of a building, constructed to prevent the spread

of fire to or from another part of the same building or an adjoining
building.

Fire door A door or shutter, together with its frame and furniture, provided
for the passage of people, air or goods which, when closed, is
intended to restrict the passage of fire and/or smoke to a
predictable level of performance.

Firefighting lift A lift, designed to have additional protection, with controls that
enable it to be used under the direct control of the fire and rescue
service when fighting a fire.

Firefighting shaft A fire-resisting enclosure containing a firefighting stair, fire mains,

firefighting lobbies and, if provided, a firefighting lift.

130
 Part 2 •
Term Definition

Firefighting stairway See firefighting shaft.

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

Fire-resistance The ability of a component or construction of a building to satisfy,
for a stated period of time, some or all of the appropriate criteria
of relevant standards. (Generally described as 30 minutes fire-
resisting or 60 minutes fire-resisting.) See BS EN 1363-1,45
BS 476-732 and associated standards for further information.

Fire safety manager A nominated person with responsibility for carrying out day-to-day
management of fire safety. (This may or may not be the same as
the ‘responsible person’.)

Fire safety strategy A number of planned and co-ordinated arrangements designed

to reduce the risk of fire and to ensure the safety of people if there
is a fire.

Fire stopping A seal provided to close an imperfection of fit or design tolerance

between elements or components, to restrict the passage of fire
and smoke.

Fire-warning system A means of alerting people to the existence of a fire.

(See automatic fire detection system.)

Flammable material Easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly.

Highly flammable Generally liquids with a flashpoint of below 21°C.

(The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply)

Regulations 200246 (CHIP) give more detailed guidance.)

Hazardous substance 1. See Dangerous substance.

2. A substance subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to

Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

Inner room A room from which escape is possible only by passing through
another room (the access room).

Licensed premises Any premises that require a licence under any statute to undertake
trade or conduct business activities.

Material change An alteration to the premises, process or service which significantly

affects the level of risk to people from fire in those premises.

Means of escape Route(s) provided to ensure safe egress from premises or other
locations to a place of total safety.

Place of reasonable safety A place within a building or structure where, for a limited period of
time, people will have some protection from the effects of fire and
smoke. This place, usually a corridor or stairway, will normally
have a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance and allow people
to continue their escape to a place of total safety.

Place of total safety A place, away from the premises, in which people are at no
immediate danger from the effects of a fire.

131
 Term Definition

Premises Any place, such as a building and the immediate land bounded by
any enclosure of it, any tent, moveable or temporary structure or
any installation or workplace.

Protected lobby A fire-resisting enclosure providing access to an escape stairway

via two sets of fire doors and into which no room opens other
than toilets and lifts.

Protected stairway A stairway which is adequately protected from the rest of the
building by fire-resisting construction.

Protected route An escape route which is adequately protected from the rest of
the building by fire-resisting construction.

Refuge A place of reasonable safety in which a disabled person and

others who may need assitance may rest or wait for assistance
before reaching a place of total safety. It should lead directly to a
fire-resisting escape route.

Responsible person The person ultimately responsible for fire safety as defined in the
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.1

Relevant persons Any person lawfully on your premises and any person in the
immediate vicinity, but does not include firefighters carrying out
firefighting duties.

Self-closing device A device that is capable of closing the door from any angle and
against any latch fitted to the door.

Significant finding A feature of the premises, from which the fire hazards and
persons at risk are identified.

The actions you have taken or will take to remove or reduce the
chance of a fire occuring or the spread of fire and smoke.

The actions people need to take in case of fire.

The necessary information, instruction and training needed and

how it will be given.

Smoke alarm Device containing within one housing all the components, except
possibly the energy source, for detecting smoke and giving an
audible alarm.

Staged fire alarm A fire warning which can be given in two or more stages for
different purposes within a given area (i.e. notifying staff, stand by
to evacuate, full evacuation).

Storey exit A final exit or a doorway giving direct access into a protected
stairway, firefighting lobby, or external escape route

Travel distance The actual distance to be travelled by a person from any point
within the floor area to the nearest storey exit or final exit, having
regard to the layout of walls, partitions and fixings.

132
 Part 2 •
Term Definition

Vision panel A transparent panel in a wall or door of an inner room enabling the
occupant to become aware of a fire in the access area during the

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

early stages.

Way guidance Low mounted luminous tracks positioned on escape routes in

combination with exit indicators, exit marking and intermediate
direction indicators along the route, provided for use when the
supply to the normal lighting fails, which do not rely on an
electrical supply for their luminous output

Where necessary The Order requires that fire precautions (such as firefighting
equipment, fire detection and warning, and emergency routes and
exits) should be provided (and maintained) ‘where necessary’.

What this means is that the fire precautions you must provide
(and maintain) are those which are needed to reasonably protect
relevant persons from risks to them in case of fire. This will be
determined by the findings of your risk assessment, including the
preventative measures you have or will have taken. In practice,
it is very unlikely that a properly conducted fire risk assessment,
which takes into account all the matters relevant for the safety of
persons in case of fire, will conclude that no fire precautions
(including maintenance) are necessary.

Young person (a) A person aged 16 years, from the date on which he attains that
age until and including the 31st August which next follows that date.

(b) A person aged 16 years and over who is undertaking a course

of full-time education at a school or college which is not advanced
education.

(c) A person aged 16 years and over who is undertaking approved

training that is not provided through a contract of employment.

For the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c) the person:

(a) shall have commenced the course of full-time education or

approved training before attaining the age of 19 years; and

(b) shall not have attained the age of 20 years.

133
 References
The following documents are referenced in this guide. Where dated, only this version applies.
Where updated, the latest version of the document applies.
1 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, SI 2005/1541. The Stationery Office, 2005.
ISBN 0 11 072945 5.
2 Fire Precautions Act 1971 (c 40). The Stationery Office, 1971. ISBN 0 10 544071 X.
3 Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997, SI 1997/1840. The Stationery Office 1997.
ISBN 0 11 064738 6.
4 Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 1999, SI 1999/1877.
The Stationery Office, 1999. ISBN 0 11 082882 8.
5 Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, SI 1996/341.
The Stationery Office, 1996. ISBN 0 11 054093 X.
6 Safety signs and signals. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
Guidance on regulations, L64. HSE Books, 1996. ISBN 0 7176 0870 0.
7 Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, SI 2002/2776.
The Stationery Office, 2002. ISBN 0 11 042957 5.
8 Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres. Dangerous Substances and Explosive
Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Approved code of practice and guidance, L138. HSE Books, 2003.
ISBN 0 7176 2203 7.
9 Storage of full and empty LPG cylinders and cartridges. Code of practice 7. LP Gas Association,
2000. Available from LP Gas Association, Pavilion 16, Headlands Business Park, Salisbury Road,
Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3PB.
10 Maintaining portable electrical equipment in offices and other low-risk environments, INDG236.
HSE Books, 1996. (ISBN 0 7176 1272 4 single copy free or priced packs of 10).
11 Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996, SI 1996/1592. The Stationery Office,
1996. ISBN 0 11 035904 6.
12 A guide to the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996, INDG220.
HSE Books, 1996. (ISBN 0 7176 1161 2 single copy free or priced packs of 10).
Health and safety in construction, HSG150 (second edition). HSE Books, 2001. ISBN 0 7176 2106 5.
13 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c 50). The Stationery Office, 1995. ISBN 0 10 545095 2.
14 BS 8300: The design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. Code
of practice. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 38438 1.
15 ODPM/CACFOA/BFPSA guidance on reducing false alarms.
16 BS 5839-1: Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for system design,
installation, commissioning and maintenance. British Standards Institution.
ISBN 0 580 40376 9.
17 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, SI 1992/2793. The Stationery Office, 1992.
ISBN 0 11 025920 3.
18 BS 5306-8: Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises. Selection and
installation of portable fire extinguishers. Code of practice British Standards Institution
ISBN 0 580 33203 9
19 BS 5306-3: Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises. Code of practice for the
inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. British Standards Institution.
ISBN 0 5808 42865 6.
20 BS 7863: Recommendations for colour coding to indicate the extinguishing media contained in
portable fire extinguishers. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 25845 9.
21 BS EN 671-3: Fixed firefighting systems. Hose systems. Maintenance of hose reels with semi-rigid
hose and hose systems with lay-flat hose. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 34112 7.
22 BS EN 12845: Fixed firefighting systems. Automatic sprinkler systems. Design, installation and
maintenance. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 44770 7.
23 Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, SI 1992/3004. The Stationery Office,
134 1992. ISBN 0 11 025804 5.
24 The Building Regulations 2000: Approved Document B fire safety. The Stationery Office.

Part 2 •
ISBN 0 11 753911 2.
25 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 (c 30). The Stationery Office, 1982.
ISBN 0 10 543082 X.

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

26 BS 5395-2: Stairs, ladders and walkways. Code of practice for the design of industrial type stairs,
permanent ladders and walkways. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 14706 1.
27 BS 5266-8: Emergency lighting. Code of practice for emergency escape lighting systems.
British Standards Institution.
27ABS 5266-1: Emergency lighting. Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises.
British Standards Institution.
28 BS EN 1838: Lighting applications. Emergency lighting. British Standards Institution.
ISBN 0 580 32992 5.
29 BS 5499-5: Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety signs.
Signs with specific safety meanings. British Standards Institution.
30 BS 7974: Application of fire safety engineering principles to the design of buildings.
Code of practice. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 38447 0.
31 Successful health and safety management, HSG65 (second edition). HSE Books, 1997.
ISBN 0 7176 1276 7.
32 BS 476-7: Fire tests on building materials and structures. Method of test to determine
the classification of the surface spread of flame of products. British Standards Institution.
33 BS EN 13501-1: Fire classification of construction products and building elements. Classification
using test data from reaction to fire tests. British Standards Institution.
34 Guidelines for the construction of fire-resisting structural elements, BR 128. Building Research
Establishment, 1988.
35 BS EN 1634-1: Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies. Fire doors and shutters.
British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 32429 X.
36 BS 476-22: Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for determination
of the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction. British Standards Institution.
ISBN 0 580 15872 1.
37 BS EN 1935: Building hardware. Single-axis hinges. Requirements and test methods.
British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 39272 4.
38 BS EN 1154: Building hardware. Controlled door closing devices. Requirements and test methods.
British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 27476 4.
39 BS EN 1634-2: Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies. Part 2. Fire door hardware.
Building hardware for fire-resisting doorsets and openable windows. British Standards Institution.
40 BS 5839-3: Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings. Specification for automatic release
mechanisms for certain fire protection equipment. British Standards Institution.
ISBN 0 580 15787 3.
41 BS 8214: Code of practice for fire door assemblies with non-metallic leaves. British Standards
Institution. ISBN 0 580 18871 6.
42 BS EN 1125: Building hardware. Panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar. Requirements
and test methods. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 44586 0.
43 BS EN 179: Building hardware. Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad.
Requirements and test methods British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 28863 3.
44 BS 8220: Guide for security of buildings against crime. British Standards Institution.
ISBN 0 580 23692 7.
45 BS EN 1363-1: Fire resistance tests. General requirements. British Standards Institution.
ISBN 0 580 32419 2.
46 Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002, SI 2002/1689.
The Stationery Office, 2002. ISBN 0 11 042419 0.
47 BS 5588-12: Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings –
Part 12: Managing fire safety. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 44586 0.

135
 48 The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, SI 1989/635.
49 The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994, SI 1994/3260.
50 The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CONDAM/CDM Regs). HMSO, 1994.
51 Construction Information Sheet No. 51: Construction fire safety. Health and Safety Executive.
52 Fire safety in construction work. Health and Safety Executive. ISBN 0 7176 1332 1.
53 Fire prevention on construction sites. The joint code of practice on the protection from fire of
construction sites and buildings undergoing renovation (fifth edition). Fire Protection
Association and Construction Federation, 2000. ISBN 0 902167 39 1.
54 BS 7157: Method of test for ignitability of fabrics used in the construction of large tented
structures. British Standards Institution.
55 BS 6661: Guide for the design, construction and maintenance of single-skin air supported
structures. British Standards Institution.
56 Design, construction, specification and fire management of insulated envelopes for temperature
controlled environments. International Association for Cold Storage Construction.
57 The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. The Stationery Office.
ISBN 0 11 087324 6.
58 The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1989. The Stationery
Office. ISBN 0 11 098358 0.
59 BS 5867:2 Specification for fabrics for curtains and drapes. Flammability requirements.
British Standards Institution.
60 BS 1892:2 Gymnasium equipment. Particular requirements. Specification for boxing rings.
British Standards Institution.
61 BS 5588-6: Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings. Code of practice for
places of assembly. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 19865 0.
62 BS 5306-2: Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises. Specification for
sprinkler systems. British Standards Institution.
63 BS 5588-5: Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings. Access and facilities
for firefighting. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 43804 X.
64 The Building Regulations 1991: Approved Document M access to and use of buildings
(2004 edition).
65 BS 5588-8: Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings. Code of practice for
means of escape for disabled people. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 28262 7.
66 CIBSE Guide Volume E: Fire engineering. Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, 1997.
67 Design methodologies for smoke and heat exhaust ventilation, Report 368, BRE, 1999.
68 A guide to best practice in the specification and use of fire-resistant glazed systems.
Glass and Glazing Federation, 2005.
69 Increasing the fire resistance of existing timber doors, Information Paper 8/82. BRE.
70 Fire resisting doorsets by upgrading, Wood Information Sheet 1-32. Timber Research and
Development Association.
71 BS 4787-1: Internal and external wood doorsets, door leaves and frames. Specification for
dimensional requirements. British Standards Institution.
72 BS EN 1155: Building hardware. Electrically powered hold-open devices for swing doors.
Requirements and test methods. British Standards Institution.
73 BS EN 1158: Building hardware. Door coordinator devices. Requirements and test methods.
British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 27919 7.
74 Code of practice: Hardware for timber fire and escape doors. The British Hardware Industry
Federation (BHIF).
75 BS 5266-6: Emergency lighting. Code of practice for non-electrical low mounted way guidance
systems for emergency use. Photoluminescent systems. British Standards Institution.
76 Toys (Safety) Regulations, 1995. SI 1995/204.
77 Access for disabled people to school buildings: Management and design guide, Building Bulletin
91. The Stationery Office, 1999. ISBN 0 902167 42 1.
136
78 BS EN 3-7: Portable fire extinguishers. Characteristics, performance requirements and test

Part 2 •
methods. British Standards Institution.
79 BS 5499-4: Safety signs, including fire safety signs. Code of practice for escape route signing.
British Standards Institution.

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

80 BS 5287: Specification for assessment and labelling of textile floor covering tested to BS 4790.
British Standards Institution.
81 BS EN 1101: Textiles and textile products. Burning behaviour. Curtains and drapes.
Detailed procedure to determine the ignitability of vertically orientated specimens (small flame).
British Standards Institution.
82 BS EN 1102: Textiles and textile products. Burning behaviour. Curtains and drapes.
Detailed procedure to determine the flame spread of vertically orientated specimens.
British Standards Institution.
83 BS 5852: Methods of test for the assessment of the ignitability of upholstered seating by smoldering
and flame ignition. British Standards Institution.
84 BS 7176: Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non-domestic seating
by testing composites. British Standards Institution.
85 BS EN 12209: Building hardware locks and latches. Mechanically operated locks, latches and
locking plate. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 43143 6.
86 BS EN 1906: Building hardware. Lever handles and knob furniture. Requirements and test
methods. British Standards Institution. ISBN 0 580 39271 6.
87 BS 5306-1: Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises. Hydrant systems, hose
reels and foam inlets. British Standards Institution.

137
 Further reading
The latest versions of all documents listed in
this section should be used, including any
amendments.

Any views expressed in these documents are

not necessarily those of the DCLG.

BS 4422 Fire. Vocabulary. British Standards Institution.

BS PD 6512-3 Use of elements of structural fire protection with particular

reference to the recommendations given in BS 5588 Fire
precautions in the design and construction of buildings.
Guide to the fire performance of glass. British Standards
Institution.

BS EN 81-70 Safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts.

Particular applications for passenger and goods passenger lifts.
Accessibility to lifts for persons including persons with disability.
British Standards Institution.

BS 5041-1 Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for landing valves

for wet risers. British Standards Institution.

BS 5041-2 Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for landing valves

for dry risers. British Standards Institution.

BS 5041-3 Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for inlet breechings

for dry riser inlets. British Standards Institution.

BS 5041-4 Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for boxes for

landing valves for dry risers. British Standards Institution.

BS 5041-5 Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for boxes for foam
inlets and dry riser inlets. British Standards Institution.

BS 9990 Code of practice for non-automatic firefighting systems in

buildings. British Standards Institution.

BS 7944 Type 1 heavy duty fire blankets and type 2 heavy duty heat
protective blankets. British Standards Institution.

BS EN 1869 Fire blankets. British Standards Institution.

BS ISO 14520-1 Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems. Physical properties and

system design. General requirements. British Standards
Institution.

BS 5266-2 Emergency lighting. Code of practice for electrical low mounted

way guidance for emergency use. British Standards Institution.

BS EN 60598-1 Luminaires. General requirements and tests. British Standards

Institution.

BS 5499-1 Graphical symbols and signs. Safety signs, including fire safety
signs. Specification for geometric shapes, colours and layout.
British Standards Institution.

138
 Part 2 •
BS EN 1634-3 Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies.
Smoke control doors and shutters. British Standards Institution.

Draft BS EN 14637 Building hardware. Electrically controlled hold-open systems for

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

fire/smoke door assemblies. Requirements, test methods,
application and maintenance. (Consultation document.) British
Standards Institution.

BS EN 45020 Standardisation and related activities. General vocabulary. British

Standards Institution.

ISO 13784-2 Reaction to fire tests for sandwich panel building systems.
Part 2: test method for large rooms. British Standards Institution.

BS 5268-4.2 Structural use of timber. Fire resistance of timber structures.

Recommendations for calculating fire resistance of timber stud
walls and joisted floor constructions. British Standards Institution.

Managing school facilities guide 6: Fire Safety. DfES.

Fire safety in schools. Building our future: Scotland’s school estate. Scottish Executive. ISBN 0 7559 4063 6.

Design Principles of Fire Safety The Stationery Office 1996 ISBN 0 11 753045 X

Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002, SI 2002/1689. The Stationery
Office, 2002. ISBN 0 11 042419 0. Supporting guides: The idiot’s guide to CHIP 3: Chemicals (Hazard
Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002, INDG350. HSE Books, 2002. (ISBN 0 7176 2333 5
single copy free or priced packs of 5); CHIP for everyone, HSG228. HSE Books, 2002. ISBN 0 7176 2370 X.

Guidance on the acceptance of electronic locks to doors required for means of escape.
The Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers’ Association.

Ensuring best practice for passive fire protection in buildings. Building Research Establishment, 2003.
ISBN 1 870409 19 1.

Smoke shafts protecting fire shafts; their performance and design, BRE Project Report 79204.
Building Research Establishment, 2002.

Fire safety of PTFE-based material used in building, BRE Report 274. Building Research Establishment,
1994. ISBN 0 851256 53 8.

Fires and human behaviour. David Fulton Publishers, 2000. ISBN 1 85346 105 9.

Management of health and safety at work. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Approved code of practice and guidance, L21 (second edition). HSE Books, 2000. ISBN 0 7176 2488 9.

LPC rules for automatic sprinkler installations. The Fire Protection Association, 2003.

Fire safety in constuction work, HSG168. HSE Books, 1997. ISBN 0 7176 1332 1.

139
 Index
Page numbers in italics refer to information in Figures or Tables.

A D
access for firefighters 23, 24, 60, 61, 116, dangerous substances 7, 13, 14, 37, 109–10, 130
117, 127 storage 18, 45–6, 110
alarms see fire detection and warning systems dead ends
alterations 8, 26, 39, 48–9, 50, 61, 66, 131 escape routes 65, 70, 74–5, 76–7, 130
alterations notices 33, 35, 40, 49, 129 fire alarms 55
arson 12, 15, 18, 19, 42–3, 44, 45, 55, 60 disability see people with special needs
assembly points 25, 38, 110, 111, 113 display materials 18, 39, 42, 52, 70
automatic fire detection systems 20, 21, 43, 48, doors
54, 55, 75, 76, 79, 88, 91–2, 98, 100, 129 door-fastenings 87, 106, 124, 124–6
door furniture 122–3, 124
B final exit 26, 28, 31, 87, 110, 113
basements 77, 78, 94, 96, 129 fire-resisting 52, 61, 65, 77, 94, 108, 111,
building work 8, 48–9 121–6, 130
glazing 122, 124
C maintenance 7, 17, 30, 115, 116, 117, 123, 126
cavity barriers 26, 52, 65, 120, 121 notices 103, 104
ceilings revolving 86
fire-resisting 26, 65, 78 roller shutter doors 63, 86, 116
lining materials 13, 18, 26, 119, 121 self-closing 63, 78, 94, 104, 108, 117, 122
children 6, 35, 98, 109, 129, 133 sliding 86
evacuating 24, 25, 38, 53, 87, 108, 110, vision panels 65, 124, 133
111, 113 wicket 86
see also crèches; students/pupils
CLASP (Consortium of Local Authority Special E
Programme) construction method 26, 52, electrical safety 12–13, 15, 18, 44, 46, 47, 48
65, 120–1 emergency escape lighting 28–9, 85, 101–2,
classrooms 49 108, 130
escape routes 26, 27, 70, 92, 107 tests, checks and maintenance 30, 31, 32,
fire risk assessment 10, 39, 92 102, 106, 115, 116, 117
close down procedures 43, 46, 110 torches 28, 31, 101
co-operation and co-ordination 5, 6, 34, emergency plans 27, 33, 34–5, 37, 41, 60, 64,
36–7, 110–11 106, 108–9, 111–12, 128
competent persons 6, 10, 129 equipment and machinery 12, 15, 18, 38, 39,
conduction, fire spreading by 16 43, 46–7, 108, 112
construction, fire-resisting 25–6, 47, 50–1, 52, escape routes
65, 75, 76, 82, 108, 119–21, 131 age and construction of the premises 24,
contingency plans 108, 109 25–6, 28, 49, 66
contractors alternative exits 25, 73, 77, 81, 88, 90, 92,
certifying 31, 114, 123 112, 129
fire safety training 6, 37, 109, 110, 111 basements 77, 78, 94, 96, 129
managing 48–9 corridors 27, 65, 66, 77, 78, 79, 80, 94,
permit to work 18, 48 96–8, 99
risk to 14, 66, 108 dead ends 55, 70, 74–5, 76–7, 130
source of ignition 12, 18, 48 emergency lighting 28–9, 85, 101–2, 108, 130
convection, fire spreading by 16 escape time 25, 28, 68
cooking 12, 18, 43, 49, 51, 52, 59, 111 final exits 26, 28, 31, 54, 58, 70, 81, 87, 88,
crèches 4, 15, 28, 87, 108 110, 130
inner rooms 72, 75, 131, 133
layouts 87–100

140
 levels of risk 64, 66 Fire Safety Order and 5–8

Part 2 •
lifts 27, 38, 66, 85, 108, 116, 130 flexibility 20, 41
lobbies 61, 65, 66, 77, 80, 89, 94, 96–8, historic buildings 65, 127–8
99, 132 identifying fire hazards 11, 12–14, 33,

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

maintenance 7, 27, 28, 84, 85 107, 118
managing 27, 66, 125–6 identifying people at risk 11, 14–15, 33,
number required 26, 28, 66, 88 107, 111, 118
obstructions 27, 28, 42, 48, 49, 65, 88, 115 information and instruction 7, 35–6, 109–10
people with special needs 24, 27, 28, 53 method 10–11
reception areas 83 plan of action 41
roof exits 85, 86 record-keeping 9, 11, 33–4, 39, 106, 107,
seating and gangways 69, 71 108, 118
signs and notices 29–30, 36, 86, 103–5, 108 removing or reducing fire hazards 17–19, 33,
suitability 65 41, 42, 118
tests and checks 30–2, 102, 115, 116, 117 removing or reducing risk to people 4–5, 11,
training 38, 111 19–32, 33, 41, 42, 107, 118
travel distance 20, 25, 27, 55, 64, 68, 70–1, reviewing 11, 39–40, 118
74–5, 88, 93, 94, 96–7, 132 sources of fuel 12, 13, 18–19, 42, 43–6, 64
type and number of people using premises sources of ignition 12–13, 15, 17–18, 44, 45,
25, 26, 28, 66, 89 46–8, 50
widths and capacity of 49, 60, 66, 68–9 sources of oxygen 12, 13–14, 19
see also doors; stairways fire safety audit 106, 108
extinguishers 22–3, 24, 30, 31, 57–9, 106 fire safety management 4–5, 41, 48–9, 60
Fire Safety Order 5–8, 10
F fire stopping 65, 121, 131
false alarms 21, 55, 56, 106, 130 fire suppression systems 23, 39, 43, 50, 51, 52,
fire 59–60, 61, 62, 106, 108, 112, 116, 127
classes of 57–9 firefighters’ switches 30, 60, 63, 107, 117
spread of 16–17, 38, 42, 49, 50–2, 85 firefighting equipment and facilities 22–4
fire blankets 59, 106 access for firefighters 23, 24, 60, 61, 116,
fire certificates 5, 52 117, 127
fire dampers 51, 65 extinguishers 22–3, 24, 30, 31, 57–9, 106
fire detection and warning systems 20–2 fire suppression systems 23, 39, 43, 50, 51,
automatic fire detection systems 20, 21, 43, 52, 59–60, 61, 62, 106, 108, 112, 116, 127
48, 54, 55, 75, 76, 79, 88, 91–2, 98, 100, 129 firefighters’ switches 30, 60, 63, 108, 117
auxiliary power supply 22, 56 firefighting lifts and shafts 24, 27, 60, 61, 66,
false alarms 21, 55, 56, 106, 130 85, 95, 110, 116, 130
manual call points 21, 54–5, 56, 108, 113 foam inlets 23, 62
monitoring 21, 39, 54, 55, 56, 113 hose reels 23, 31, 59, 106
phased evacuation 25, 55, 60, 80, 109 maintenance 7, 23, 24, 30, 31, 32, 59, 60, 61,
quality assurance 114 62, 106, 115, 116, 117
record-keeping 56, 106 quality assurance 114
smoke detectors 72, 77, 123, 132 rising mains 23, 60, 62, 117
sound levels 54 signs 23, 63, 104
staged alarms 21, 25, 55–6, 60 tests and checks 30, 31, 32, 59, 115, 116, 117
tests and checks 7, 30, 31, 32, 56, 106, training 22, 36, 38, 57, 111
112, 113 flame-retardant materials 18, 19, 44, 51, 121
voice alarms 21, 53, 54, 116 flammable liquids 13, 18, 19, 42, 44, 45–6, 57,
fire drills 37, 38, 106, 112–13 58, 131
fire marshals 22, 38, 111, 112, 113, 128 floors
fire-resisting separation 50, 52, 65, 119–21 covering materials 13, 51
fire risk assessment fire-resisting 26, 65, 119, 120
aims 9 foam, fire risk of 13, 19, 44, 51
co-operation and co-ordination 5, 6, 34, foam inlets 23, 62
36–7, 110–11 foyers 51, 52
emergency plans 27, 33, 34–5, 37, 41, 60, 64, fuel, sources of 12, 13, 18–19, 42, 43–6, 64
106, 108–9, 111–12, 128 furniture and furnishings 13, 18, 39, 44, 49,
evaluating risk 11, 15–17, 32, 111 51, 70

141
 G N
gas cylinders 14, 19, 46, 49 naked flame 12, 17
see also LPG nurseries 24, 53, 87
glass, fire-resisting 120, 122
O
H oxygen, sources of 12, 13–14, 19
hazard
definition 9 P
identifying fire hazards 11, 12–14, 33, partitions, fire-resisting 26, 119, 120, 121
107, 118 see also walls
removing or reducing 17–19, 33, 41, 42, 118 people at risk
hazardous materials 17, 38, 39, 109, 110, 131 evaluating 16–17
heating 12, 17, 46–7, 49, 50 identifying 11, 14–15, 33, 107, 111, 118
historic buildings 65, 127–8 removing or reducing risk 4–5, 19–32, 33,
hose reels 23, 31, 59, 106 41, 42, 107, 118
housekeeping 38, 43 restricting the spread of fire and smoke
49, 50–2
I type and number using premises 39, 66, 89
ignition, sources of 12–13, 15, 17–18, 44, 45, people with special needs
46–8, 50 evacuating 24, 27, 28, 38, 53, 66–7, 108, 110,
information and instruction 7, 35–6, 46, 47, 111, 112, 113
103–5, 109–10 fire risk assessment 15, 39
insulated core panels 42, 50 fire warning systems 54, 56
information and instruction 35, 103
L risk to 14–15
laboratories 12, 54, 59 personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)
fire risk assessment 10, 43 25, 53
lecture theatres 69, 70 piping 46, 49
fire risk assessment 7, 10 plans and specifications 33, 34, 108
lifts portable appliance testing (PAT) 47
escape routes 27, 38, 66, 85, 108, 116, 130 pupils see students/pupils
firefighting 24, 27, 60, 61, 66, 85, 95, 110,
116, 130 R
LPG 13, 46, 47, 49 radiation, fire spreading by 16
luminaires 101–2, 115, 116, 117 reception areas 83
record-keeping
M emergency escape lighting 102, 106
maintenance fire detection and warning systems 56, 106
checklist 115–17 fire risk assessment 9, 11, 33–4, 39, 106,
emergency escape lighting 30, 31, 32, 102, 107, 108, 118
106, 115, 116, 117 fire safety training 38, 111
equipment and machinery 18, 46–7 refectories 10, 12, 52, 59
escape routes 7, 27, 28, 84, 85 refuge areas 27, 66, 67, 108, 132
fire detection and warning systems 7, 30, 31, rising mains 23, 60, 62, 117
32, 56, 106, 115, 116 risk
fire doors 7, 17, 30, 115, 116, 117, 123, 126 definition 9
firefighting equipment and facilities 7, 23, 24, evaluating 11, 15–17, 32, 64, 111
30, 31, 32, 59, 60, 61, 62, 106, 115, 116, 117 people at risk 11, 14–15, 16–17, 111
marquees 49 reducing 4–5, 11, 19–32, 33, 41, 42
escape routes 27, 70, 87 roll calls 110, 113
mezzanine floors 88, 91 roller shutter doors 63, 86, 116
multi-occupied buildings 4, 5, 61 roofs
emergency plans 35, 36, 106 fire risk assessment 50–1, 52
escape routes 65, 85, 98 roof exits 85, 86
fire detection and warning systems 21
fire risk assessment 7, 15, 98
information and instruction 36, 104

142
S T

Part 2 •
sand buckets 59 telephones 29, 30, 60, 110
scenery 13, 18, 45, 51 temporary structures 49
schools 4, 15 escape routes 27, 87

Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions

escape routes 53, 66, 68 tents 49
fire safety strategy 8, 111 escape routes 27, 87
SCOLA (Second Consortium of Local torches 28, 31, 101
Authorities) construction method 26, 52, training
65, 120–1 fire safety 6, 7, 20, 27, 28, 33, 35–6, 37–8, 60,
seating 44, 69, 71 109, 110, 111–13
security 87, 110 firefighting equipment 22, 36, 38, 57, 111
shafts, firefighting see lifts record-keeping 38, 111
short-term hiring or leasing 7, 31, 41, 69,
108, 109 U
signs and notices 23, 29–30, 63, 86, 103–5, 108 universities 4, 55, 66, 103
information and instruction 36, 46, 47
smoke V
control of 30, 50, 52, 60, 61–2, 78, 85, 106, vandalism 12, 19, 22, 59
108, 117 ventilation systems 13, 19, 39, 50–1, 52, 117
dangers of 17 vision panels 65, 72, 124, 133
spread of 16–17, 28, 38, 42, 50, 85 voids 26, 45, 49, 64, 65, 120, 121, 127
Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation Systems
(SHEVS) 50–1, 52, 61–2, 106, 117 W
smoke detectors 72, 77, 123, 132 walls
smoking 12, 15, 18, 48, 111 fire-resisting 26, 52, 61, 65, 76, 119
sprinklers 23, 39, 43, 52, 59–60, 61, 62, 108, insulated core panels 42, 50
112, 116 lining materials 13, 26, 119, 121
staff see also partitions
fire drills 37, 38, 106, 112–13 waste and packaging, combustible 13, 15, 19,
fire safety training 7, 20, 22, 27, 33, 35–6, 42, 43, 110
37–8, 57, 60, 109, 111–13 way guidance systems 29, 102, 133
information and instruction 7, 35–6, 104–5, windows, fire-resisting 84, 85, 120
109–10 vision panels 65, 72, 124, 133
see also contractors
stages 18, 45, 51
see also scenery
stairways
accommodation stairways 79, 83, 129
basements 77, 78, 94, 96
bypass routes 82, 83
external 84, 86, 130
hazards in 10, 42, 49
protected 24, 61, 66, 70, 79–82, 84, 88, 93,
94, 96, 132
spiral and helical 85
width and capacity of 60, 69
storage 18, 39, 42, 43–6, 50, 71, 110
students/pupils
evacuating 28, 38, 53, 66, 67, 109, 110
fire safety training 6, 28, 37, 108, 109,
110, 111
risk to 14, 111, 126
source of ignition 18

143
 Fire Safety Risk Assessment – Educational premises
This guide is for employers, managers, occupiers and owners of
educational premises. It tells you what you have to do to comply
with fire safety law, helps you to carry out a fire risk assessment
and identify the general fire precautions you need to have in place.

Other guides in the series:

Guide Main use

Offices and shops Offices and retail premises (including individual units within larger premises,
e.g. shopping centres).
ISBN: 978 1 85112 815 0

Factories and warehouses Factories and warehouse storage premises.

ISBN: 978 1 85112 816 7

Sleeping accommodation All premises where the main use is to provide sleeping accommodation, e.g. hotels,
guest houses, B&Bs, hostels, residential training centres, holiday accommodation
ISBN: 978 1 85112 817 4
and the common areas of flats, maisonettes, HMOs and sheltered housing (other
than those providing care – see Residential care premises), but excluding hospitals,
residential care premises, places of custody and single private dwellings.

Residential care premises Residential care and nursing homes, common areas of sheltered housing
(where care is provided) and similar premises, which are permanently staffed
ISBN: 978 1 85112 818 1
and where the primary use is the provision of care rather than healthcare (see
Healthcare premises).

Educational premises Teaching establishments ranging from pre-school through to universities, except
the residential parts (see Sleeping accommodation).
ISBN: 978 1 85112 819 8

Small and medium places Smaller public houses, clubs, restaurants and cafés, village halls, community
of assembly centres, libraries, marquees, churches and other places of worship or study
accommodating up to 300 people.
ISBN: 978 1 85112 820 4

Large places of assembly Larger premises where more than 300 people could gather, e.g. shopping centres
(not the individual shops), large nightclubs and pubs, exhibition and conference
ISBN: 978 1 85112 821 1
centres, sports stadia, marquees, museums, libraries, churches, cathedrals and
other places of worship or study.

Theatres, cinemas and Theatres, cinemas, concert halls and similar premises used primarily for
similar premises this purpose.
ISBN: 978 1 85112 822 8

educational premises
Open air events and venues Open air events, e.g. theme parks, zoos, music concerts, sporting events
(not stadia – see Large places of assembly), fairgrounds and county fairs.
ISBN: 978 1 85112 823 5

Healthcare premises Premises where the primary use is the provision of healthcare (including private),
e.g. hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, dentists and other similar healthcare premises.
ISBN: 978 1 85112 824 2

Transport premises Transportation terminals and interchanges, e.g. airports, railway stations
and facilities (including sub-surface), transport tunnels, ports, bus and coach stations
and similar premises but excluding the means of transport (e.g. trains, buses,
ISBN: 978 1 85112 825 9
planes and ships).

Stables and agricultural Agricutural premises, stables, livery yards and stables within zoos, large animal
premises sanctuaries or farm parks.
ISBN: 978 1 85112 884 6

Supplementary Guide

Means of Escape for This guide is a supplement to be read alongside other guides in this series.
HM Government

Disabled People It provides additional information on accessibility and means of escape.

ISBN: 978 1 85112 874 7

ISBN: 978 1 85112 819 8

Price: £12