Managing fire risk in commercial buildings: A guide for facilities managers
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Managing fire risk in commercial buildings: A guide for facilities managers (IP 11/14) was published by BRE on 23 September 2014. It was written by Jeremy Fraser-Mitchell and Tom Taylor. It is one of a number of BRE publications offering guidance for facilities managers, maintenance contractors and building owners about the operation and management of commercial buildings.
In England and Wales, employers and other people who have control of premises must carry out an assessment of the fire risks to occupants of buildings and other people in the vicinity, to ensure that they are safe from fire and its effects. IP 11/14 provides guidance about how improved facilities management can help deliver fire resilience in commercial buildings.
The first part of the 8-page Information Paper explains how to carry out a fire risk assessment and how best to deal with residual risks. The second part gives an overview of operational and maintenance requirements for fire detection systems, fire suppression systems, firefighting equipment and emergency lighting.
The contents of the Information Paper are:
- Fire risk assessment: identifying hazards and people in the premises.
- Fire risk management: coping with residual risks.
- Planning, recording, instruction and training.
- Fire protection equipment and facilities.
- Conclusions.
- References.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wik
- Automatic fire detection and alarm systems, an introductory guide to components and systems BR 510.
- Automatic fire sprinkler systems: A good practice guide.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- Building Research Establishment.
- External fire spread, Supplementary guidance to BR 187 incorporating probabilistic and time-based approaches.
- External fire spread: building separation and boundary distances (BR 187).
- Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multistorey buildings, third edition (BR 135).
- Fire risk in high-rise and super high-rise buildings DG 533.
- Managing risks in existing buildings: An overview of UK risk-based legislation for commercial and industrial premises (FB 86).
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- The role of codes, standards and approvals in delivering fire safety.
- Understanding the factors affecting flashover of a fire in modern buildings.
- Visual alarm devices - their effectiveness in warning of fire.
Featured articles and news
The phrase ‘time at large’ describes the situation where there is no date for completion, or it has become invalid.
The Maldives is under threat from climate change. Read this report from BRE on their potential involvement in the region.
MHCLG update states there are still 124 private high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding and no remediation plan.
Starting a new built environment degree? We have a wide range of resources aimed at students.
Former railway chief James Blake says trust and control are key to successful infrastructure projects.
Do you know your Rococo from your De Stijl, your Gothic from your Post-modernist?
May outlines a new funding strategy for housing associations and says the 'stigma' of social housing needs to end.
RIBA launches a consultation on a new Plan of Work for Fire Safety.
This article offers some basic rules to follow when writing your next specification.
The iconic Mackintosh Building will definitely be rebuilt, board chairwoman confirms.
The machinery used to fashion stone has changed dramatically - and so have the products.