FIRE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY A GET-OUT PLAN


One of the critical elements of an effective fire safety strategy is the ability to evacuate a building quickly and safely. As the 2017 Grenfell


tragedy and subsequent inquiry have highlighted, fire safety failings can have


fatal consequences.


Since the publication of the 2018 Building a Safer Future report, there has been immense pressure to adopt safer ways of working and have a greater focus on on-site safety, the specification of safe materials, and an increase in data recording.


Last June, the Building Safety Act 2022 was enacted and with it came clearer guidance for buildings at ‘higher risk’. Section 65 defines a higher-risk building as being “at least 18m in height or has at least seven storeys and contains at least two residential units.”


EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANNING Now that legislation has made high-rise residential


blocks and other tall buildings high-risk, the importance of a comprehensive evacuation plan cannot be overemphasised. This plan is vital for ensuring occupants can exit the building without delay or injury while ensuring a building remains compliant with BS 8629 – the BSI code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems (EAS) for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats.


With the changing nature of emergencies and the unique challenges of different building designs, we are seeing a growing need for tailor-made emergency plans, as there is no ‘one solution fits all’.


High-rise buildings need careful consideration. The requirement to evacuate large numbers of people swiftly and calmly across multiple floors requires a bespoke solution to ensure that no stone remains unturned at the planning stage.


Here at Chubb, we have devised a seven-step process when conducting emergency evacuation planning. By considering and addressing each step, we can help building owners, facilities managers, and occupants to prepare for a fire evacuation and have peace of mind knowing there is plan in place in case of an emergency.


The first step is analysing fire prevention methods ensuring there is adequate protection in place. Second is to ensure devices, such as fire alarms, are well positioned so they can detect fires as early as possible. The third step is assessing the building’s methods to contain and suppress fires which includes fire doors.


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During step four, we assess whether there is an early warning evacuation alert system, which is critical for alerting occupants as soon as a fire is detected. Step five and six is focused on advising all occupants of the evaluation rules, orders, and procedures and ensuring they know what they need to do in the event of a fire. The final step is to ensure the building has adequate exit routes and alternative escape options to avoid danger.


HIGH-RISE EVACUATION ALERT SYSTEM Evacuation alert control and indicating equipment


(EACIE) is now strongly recommended in England for all tall buildings containing flats with a storey located at a height of 18m or more – and is mandatory in Scotland.


In January 2022, we launched our own high-rise evacuation alert system. It is designed to warn and notify people at the earliest indication of fire and assist the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services in safely evacuating buildings over 18 metres.


Suitable for both new build and retrofit applications, the system’s hybrid network capabilities allow building owners to tailor it to meet their specific requirements. It can also be continuously upgraded and extended to meet future legislative updates.


As with any plan, a building’s fire safety strategy should be continually reviewed and updated – this includes regularly testing alert systems to ensure they are in good working order and can be deployed when needed.


www.chubb.co.uk/high-rise-evacuation www.tomorrowshs.com


Simon Wood, Sales Director at Chubb, explains why planning for a safe evacuation is vital to a building’s fire safety strategy.


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