What is a fire safety survey?

Ensuring adequate fire protection measures are in place, and maintaining a secure environment for building occupants is of paramount importance to any building owner. Conducting a fire safety survey is a key component of fire safety and also a necessary requirement of current UK building regulations.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into what a fire safety survey entails, why it’s essential for every building owner to conduct one, and how it can help prevent potential disasters. This will give you a clear understanding of the significance of fire safety surveys and be equipped with the knowledge to prioritise the safety of your building and everyone within it.

What is a fire safety survey?

A fire safety survey is a systematic inspection of a building or premise to identify potential fire hazards and evaluate the effectiveness of existing fire safety measures. It involves a thorough examination of the building’s structure, fire protection systems, escape routes, and fire safety equipment.

The survey aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fire risks present and to recommend actions to mitigate those risks and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. This can include identifying potential sources of ignition, assessing the adequacy of fire detection and alarm systems, and ensuring that escape routes are clear and well-marked.

The primary purpose of a fire safety survey is to:

• Identify potential fire hazards, including sources of ignition, fuel, and oxygen.
• Assess the risk of fire occurring and its potential impact on building occupants.
• Evaluate the adequacy of existing fire safety precautions, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and escape routes.
• Recommend appropriate fire safety measures and improvements to mitigate identified risks and ensure compliance with fire safety legislation.

Preparing for a fire safety survey

Before a fire safety survey takes place, some essential preparation is needed to ensure a smooth and efficient process. This preparation helps the surveyors familiarise themselves with the building layout, potential hazards, and existing safety measures. Here are some key steps to take to prepare:

• Get a good understanding of the building layout – obtain a floor plan that includes escape routes, fire exits, the location of fire safety equipment, and any areas housing hazardous materials.
• Gather any relevant documentation – collect any existing documentation related to fire safety, such as previous fire risk assessments, fire door survey reports, maintenance records for fire safety systems, and any records of staff training on fire safety procedures.
• Highlight areas of concern – conduct a preliminary walk-through of the premises to identify any obvious fire hazards, potential risks, or areas that may be of particular concern during the fire safety survey.

As well as taking these key steps, it’s also beneficial to gather some important documentation which provides valuable insights into the building’s fire safety history, existing measures, and current compliance status. Some key documents to gather include:

• Guidance documents – this will include copies of relevant fire safety legislation and guidance documents, and any industry-specific guidance.
• Original documentation – such as building plans and fire compartmentation survey documentation for example.
• Fire strategy plan – this document outlines the overall approach to fire safety for the building, detailing how fire risks are managed and mitigated.

Having these documents readily available, and taking these steps ensures that the surveyor can efficiently assess the current fire safety provisions in place and make informed and tailored recommendations.

Conducting a fire safety survey

The fire safety survey involves a methodical examination of the premises, which is meticulously conducted by a qualified fire safety consultant or fire risk assessor from LS Fire Group. Our experts utilise their expertise to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate existing fire safety measures, and assess the risks posed to building occupants.

This systematic process ensures that no aspect of fire safety is overlooked, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the building’s fire safety standards and compliance with relevant legislation. Here’s a breakdown of the process.

Identifying fire hazards

A crucial aspect of the fire safety survey is the identification of potential fire hazards, those elements within the building, or its use that could initiate a fire or contribute to its spread. These hazards can often be subtle and overlooked; however, they pose significant risks if left unaddressed.

During the survey, the following hazards will be identified and assessed:

• Sources of ignition – anything that could cause a fire to start, including electrical faults, heaters, naked flames, and smoking materials.
• Flammable materials – assessing the presence and storage of combustible materials, ensuring they are kept away from ignition sources and stored safely.
• Potential for fire spread – evaluating the building’s construction and layout to identify any areas where passive fire protection is inadequate and could allow fire and smoke to spread quickly.

Identifying individuals at risk

A fire safety survey involves identifying individuals at risk within the building, however this step goes beyond a simple headcount. It considers the specific needs and potential vulnerabilities of building occupants in the event of a fire.

The surveyor will pay particular attention to the building occupants and determine the number of people present in the build at various times. This will include staff members, visitors, and contractors for example. This ensures the evacuation plan is specifically tailored to the maximum potential occupancy.

They will also assess the presence of individuals with specific needs. This will include people with mobility impairments, sensory disabilities, or those unfamiliar with the building. By understanding their individual needs, the fire safety survey can ensure the evacuation plan and fire safety measures in place are inclusive and effective for everyone.

Evaluating and protecting

Having identified the fire hazards and the individuals at risk, the next step is to evaluate the existing fire protection measures and identify areas for improvement. This involves a thorough assessment of fire detection and alarm systems, escape routes, and fire fighting equipment.

This evaluation will often consist of a combination of visual inspections, testing equipment, and reviewing maintenance records. Any issues identified will be highlighted in a detailed report, along with recommendations for improvements and actions needed.

What happens once the fire safety survey is completed?

Once the fire safety survey is complete, the findings and recommendations are compiled into a detailed report. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the building’s fire safety status, highlighting both positive aspects and areas requiring attention. It also serves as a roadmap for improving the building’s fire safety standards and demonstrating compliance with fire safety legislation.

The responsible person for the building must then act upon the recommendations outlined in the report. It will typically provide a clear action plan, prioritising tasks based on the severity of the risk they pose. This may involve a range of actions, from implementing simple, low-cost improvements to undertaking more complex and costly upgrades.

See how we can help with your fire safety survey

It’s clear to see that conducting a thorough fire safety survey is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants in a building and the building itself.

At LS Fire Group, we can conduct a comprehensive fire safety survey for your building, creating a safe environment for you, your building, and its occupants. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, or you have any questions about conducting a fire safety survey, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts.