Commercial buildings must, by law, have a compliant Building Regulations Certificate. This must also include a compliant Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan (FEEP).
In this blog, we help you understand what a FEEP is, and how changes to a building can render the plan non-compliant. We will also show various ways in which a Fire Risk Assessment can help you re-establish compliance and stay on the right side of the law.
What’s a FEEP, and why’s it so important?
A FEEP is a written document which includes the action to be taken by all staff in the event of fire, as well as the arrangements for calling the fire brigade.
It can include any other relevant information in relation to the FEEP. Some examples of these include fire evacuation strategy, action on hearing the fire alarm, and identification of key escape routes, amongst many others.
The full fire-related set of building regulations you can find in Building Regulations 210 – Fire Safety – Approved Document B, here.
Has your FEEP become non-compliant?
A FEEP is not a one-off exercise, nor is its compliance permanent.
Non-compliance usually sets in some time after occupancy. Changes to the fabric of the building, such as alterations or additional partitioning and door sets to form new offices or meeting rooms. This also apply when running new services such as air conditioning, plumbing, or cabling, can all have compliance impacts.
Mezzanine floors and building works can change the safe means of escape route, and the integrity of that route can itself be compromised by penetrations through fire compartmentation (walls, floors, and ceilings) to accommodate the cables and services mentioned above.
Having a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) carried out by a competent person, is key to keeping on top of compliance in the face of all these changes.
Why is a FRA key to a compliant FEEP?
A FRA will cover the following FEEP-related requirements:
- Risk Assessment: Identify potential fire hazards within the building. This includes electrical equipment, heating systems, flammable materials, etc.
- Emergency Procedures: Clearly outline the steps to be taken in the event of a fire, such as sounding the alarm, notifying emergency services, and specific roles and responsibilities for designated personnel.
- Evacuation Routes: Map out primary and secondary evacuation routes. Ensure that these routes are well-marked and accessible. Consider individuals with mobility challenges and provide assistance if needed.
- Assembly Points: Designate assembly points outside the building where occupants should gather after evacuation. This aids in accounting for everyone and allows emergency services to assess the situation.
- Fire Safety Equipment: Clearly indicate the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and any other fire safety equipment. Provide instructions on how to use them safely.
- Communication: Establish a communication plan for relaying information during an emergency. This may include intercom systems, designated communication officers, or other means of alerting occupants.
- Training and Drills: Conduct regular fire drills to ensure that occupants are familiar with evacuation procedures. Training should cover both the use of fire safety equipment and the evacuation process.
- Emergency Contacts: Maintain an updated list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, building management, and key personnel responsible for fire safety.
- Review and Update: Regularly review and update the Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan to account for changes in building layout, personnel, or equipment.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure that the plan complies with local fire safety regulations and standards.
How we help you
At Commercial Fire Protection, our fully qualified team has many years’ experience working with customers to carry out FRAs, identify their building’s Responsible Persons and their legal obligations. We can deliver any remedial works needed to ensure both building and FEEP remain compliant.
We’re here to help – so get in touch with us today or request your FREE Guide to Fire Protection Compliance here.
