Fire Safety Strategy Services
by Oxford Fire Safety
Fire Strategy Services by Oxford Fire Safety
At Oxford Fire Safety, we provide expert fire safety and engineering services to architects, design teams, project managers, and main contractors through our fire consultancy division. With our team of qualified fire safety specialists, we help ensure that your project meets the highest standards of fire safety.
What is a Fire Strategy
A Fire Strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to minimise the risk of fire and protect lives, property, and business operations. According to the British Standards Institution (as previously outlined in PAS 911), a fire strategy involves clear measures addressing fire precautions, fire safety management, and fire protection.
This plan involves:
- Identifying fire-related risks
- Implementing protective measures
- Establishing policies to manage and reduce fire risks
A well-structured fire strategy ensures both compliance with fire safety regulations and the protection of business procedures and assets. Our goal is to reduce life risk and safeguard your business from potential fire hazards.
Why Does Your Business Need a Fire Safety Strategy?
While legislation may not explicitly mandate a fire safety management strategy, it is essential to meet fire safety and The Building Regulations. A fire strategy allows you to:
- Provide assurances to Building Control Bodies about the fire safety standards in your premises
- Monitor fire safety performance and manage any changes
- Ensure your fire risk assessment is both suitable and sufficient
- Develop effective fire prevention and protection solutions
How We Can Help
At Oxford Fire Safety, we work closely with your business to develop a fire strategy tailored to your specific needs and objectives. Our experienced consultants have helped numerous large organisations create effective strategies that align with their business goals. We provide services to ensure your fire safety plan is robust, compliant and well-integrated with your building’s design.
Our Fire Strategy Review Can Cover Recommendations on:
- Compliance with applicable fire safety legislation
- Building layout, materials, and structural integrity
- Fire compartmentation and escape route protection
- Means of fire warning and evacuation
- Fire evacuation strategy and procedures
- Emergency lighting and signage
- Internal and external fire spread analysis
- Fire and rescue service access and facilities
- Smoke ventilation and fire suppression systems
- Security measures, including arson prevention
- Fire safety management, including staff training and inspection protocols
Fire Strategy Services by RIBA Stage
Overview
Fire strategy input is most effective when provided early enough to inform the design. The most appropriate stages for fire strategy input are usually RIBA Stages 2, 3 and 4, before key design decisions become fixed.
RIBA Stage 2, Concept Design
This provides early fire strategy advice for developing designs.
It may include:
- drawing review;
- initial fire safety mark-up;
- early advice on escape, compartmentation, access and external fire spread;
- design team meetings;
- concept fire strategy report.
Stage 2 should usually be treated as a stand-alone appointment, as projects may pause before planning or change design team.
RIBA Stage 3, Planning Design
This is often the most appropriate stage for coordinated fire strategy input.
The design is developed enough to assess properly, but still flexible enough to change. Fire safety issues can often be resolved before planning submission or before the design becomes fixed.
It may include:
- planning-stage fire strategy;
- drawing review and mark-up;
- design team liaison;
- advice to support planning, fire statements or design coordination.
RIBA Stage 4, Technical Design
This is the main technical fire strategy used for Building Control and detailed design.
It may include:
- detailed fire strategy report;
- technical review of drawings;
- coordination with the design team;
- response to Building Control or Fire and Rescue Service comments within the agreed scope.
If Stage 3 has already been completed, Stage 4 can usually be delivered more efficiently.
RIBA Stage 5, Construction Support
Stage 5 support relates to construction queries and should be separately agreed.
It may include:
- technical advice during construction;
- review of proposed changes;
- comment on fire stopping, fire doors, cavity barriers or product substitutions.
A Stage 4 fire strategy does not include unlimited construction advice. Contractor queries should be formally instructed and a fee agreed.
RIBA Stage 6, Handover
Stage 6 relates to handover and as-built information.
It may include:
- review of Regulation 38 fire safety information;
- review of as-built drawings;
- handover fire strategy support, where properly scoped.
An as-built fire strategy should only be issued where sufficient evidence has been provided.
Retrospective Fire Strategies
Retrospective fire strategies are for existing buildings where a fire strategy is missing, outdated or required for management purposes.
They may include:
- review of existing information;
- site visit if required;
- limited survey;
- fire strategy report for the existing building;
- client meeting to explain findings.
Recommended Approach
For new projects, the usual route is:
- Stage 2 for early concept advice;
- Stage 3 for planning and design coordination;
- Stage 4 for technical design and Building Control;
- Stage 5 and Stage 6 only where separately scoped.
For existing buildings, a retrospective fire strategy may be the most suitable option.
Our Clients
Training, Risk Assessing, Advocacy, Consultancy, we provide it all.
Local Authority Fire & Rescue Services
Hospitality Industry
Heritage & Listed Buildings
Public Sector
NHS & Private Medical Premises
