Fire safety

Question 1

What are the three main consequences of fire in a building?

Answer 1

• Property damage –
• Personal injury/ loss of life
• Business interruption.

Question 2

How can the enclosure of a building modify the impact of a fire?

Answer 2

• Fire containment – stops the spread of fire and limits it to other parts of the building.
• Compartmentation – enclosure divide and separate by fire rated walls and doors.
• Smoke control-
• Sealed areas ensure smoke does not escape- smoke barriers and smoke exhaust, help ensure clearer escape routs and visibility.
• Fire resistance and structural integrity –
• Materials used should be structurally resistant to fire and where not should be protected – IE steel for 1 hour.
• Fire doors also ensure the above.

Question 3

What are some fire safety principles that can be applied to minimise the risks associated with fires?

Answer 3

1. Fire prevention – regular inspections and maintenance of electrical system.
2. Proper storage IE flammable items and materials .
3. Emergency planning
4. Fire detection
5. Fire suppression systems ie sprinklers – fire extinguishers
6. Incorporating fire detections – smoke and fire alarm systems
7. Building design and construction – Considerations to materials used.
8. Education and training – educating the occupants – ie how to react in the event.
9. Regular inspections and maintenance.

Question 4

What are the benefits of following fire safety guidelines?

Answer 4

• Safety of life
• Property protect
• Legal and regs compliance
• Insurance requirements
• Peace of mind for residents /occupiers

Question 5

What does the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 set out and who are the RP?

Answer 5

Fire safety order sets out –
1. Fire risk assessment- Responsible person must carry out FRA to identify hazards.
2. Prevention and fire safety measures- responsible person to prevent fire and establish the correct measures.
3. Information, instruction and training – The responsible person should provide information, instructions and training.
4. Cooperation and coordination between all parties.

Question 6

What are the Building Regulations 2010 (Part B - Fire Safety) and their ap-plications?

Answer 6

Building regulations Part b –
1. Means of escape
2. Fire detection and warning systems
3. Structural fire resistance and compartmentation
4. Fire spread prevention
5. Access for fire fighting
6. Ventilation
7. Fire resistance doors.

Question 7

What are the fire safety requirements that the Building Regulations 2010 provides?

Answer 7

1. To provide means of escape
2. To provide fire detection/warnings
3. Prevent the spread of fire
4. Access for fire fighters and equipment’s
5. Ventilation / smoke vents
6. Installation of fire resistance doors.

Question 8

What is the Housing Act 2004 (Management of Houses in Multiple Occupa-tion) (England) Regulations 2006 and who does it apply to?

Answer 8

HMO regulation 2006 applies to hmo’s in England – guidance for landlords and property managers on fire safety, cleanliness, and management of the property.

Question 9

What are the fire safety requirements specific to houses in multiple occupa-tions (HMOs)?

Answer 9

HMO requirements –

• Fire detection and warning systems
• Fire escape routes
• Fire doors
• Emergency lighting
• Fire blankets and extinguishers.
• Fire safety equipment.
• Fire safety risk assessments.

Question 10

How do these regulations and fire safety principles help to reduce personal injury, property damage and environmental impact?

Answer 10

Fire safety regulations are critical as the prevent harm, personal injury, property damage and environmental impact.