Fire Safety Plan

Fire Safety Plan 101: Fire Safety and Prevention Plan

One might ask, ‘when is a good time to devise a fire safety plan?’ The answer is- Today.

But, why is it so important, you might think.

According to research, there were 101 fires with 106 fire-related fatalities recorded in closed inquest cases between 2014-2016.

Now think, how massive is the loss associated with these fire accidents. Had there been an effective plan in action, most of these accidents might be avoided. 

That’s how much important this plan is. 

However, not everyone is well-versed with it. Also, it can be a challenging task to come up with such a plan that can minimize the risk of fire and is suitable for your place. Different places like homes, offices, or schools have different strategies to construct a well-functional fire safety plan. 

By the end of this article, you will have answers to many hurdles in your fire safety. In this article we will discuss:

  • What is a fire safety plan?
  • Building Information and Floor plans
  • Fire Protection Systems
  • Fire Safety Plan for Home, Work and School

What is a fire safety plan?

A fire safety plan is a detailed formal document that incorporates all aspects of the fire safety of a place. These include all the safety procedures to follow in case of different types of fires. It also covers information related to the type of fire extinguisher to use and different exit routes to follow in case of fire. The final aim of this plan is to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation of people avoiding any misunderstanding or stampede. Note, it is the responsibility of the building owner or agent to implement the provisions of a Fire Safety Plan. 

Building Information and Floor plans

It considers the physical characteristics of the place. The goal is to promote fire avoidance through design, construction, and layout. Here are some things to think about when it comes to building information and floor plans: 

  • Exterior open space provisions around the building
  • Number and type of accessible exits and fire doors.
  • Provision of staircases, ramps, and fire lifts.
  • Installation of electrical and electronic engineering that is up to code.
  • A comprehensive floor map stuck on each floor.
  • All building design work must adhere to applicable codes and standards.
  • Identifying dangerous places that are prone to fire accidents.

Fire Protection Systems

An efficient plan is incomplete without proper fire protection systems. Fire protection systems operate by different methods, but all have the objective of detecting a fire and protecting the structure, its inhabitants, and assets from fire accidents. Some of the commonly used fire protection systems are:

  • Fire Detection & Alarm System
  • Wet Automatic Sprinkler System
  • Dry Automatic Sprinkler System
  • Portable Fire Extinguishers
  • Fire Dampers
  • Standpipe System
  • Smoke control systems

Home fire safety plan

While you are cooking at your home, there is always some form of fire used. As no matter how careful you are, fires can be inevitable. Thus a fire safety plan for the home should always be in place for emergent situations. Different households might have an individual home plan, but a general plan consists of the three “P’s”. These are –

  • Prevent fire accidents by handling fire with caution.
  • Plan a thorough escape plan for your home.
  • Practice the escape plan as a drill at least twice a year.

Work Fire safety plan

A fire can be catastrophic for businesses — it can threaten the safety of employees, destroy expensive equipment, and ruin your brand’s reputation. Thus it becomes imperative to work out an effective fire safety plan for workplace. Elements of this plan should include, but not be limited to:

  • Planning proper design, structure, and layout to make the workplace less prone to fire accidents.
  • Conducting fire safety systems services regularly.
  • Designating fire safety roles and organizing periodic fire training for employees.
  • Creating a thorough work-specific fire evacuation plan. 
  • Conducting frequent fire safety inspections and audits.

 School Fire Safety Plan

There is a legal requirement to guarantee fire safety in schools. According to it – at the end of each calendar year, all schools in Ireland, including primary and secondary, must have an active fire safety plan in place. The following are the elements of a school fire safety plan:

  • Implementing adequate safety and building procedures in classrooms and around the school’s grounds.
  • Deploying various dedicated teams for an efficient fire response plan.
  • Fire safety education for students.
  • Fire evacuation exercises are held regularly.
  • School staff receives periodic instruction and fire safety training.

Fire threats can easily be minimized. Arming our homes & offices with the right plans while empowering people around with the fire information can prevent you from future fire hazards and helps in saving many lives.