Fire Service Intervention Plans

Every second counts in a fire emergency. It is essential that the firefighters have access to simplified and accessible intervention plans that clearly show the building's layout, entry/exit points, hazards, and facilities of particular relevance to operational firefighting. Being able to easily access vital up-to-date information is an essential tool that increases the safety of occupants and firefighters alike.

In smaller premises, an A3 size wall-displayed plan inside the main entrance(s) will normally suffice. For larger buildings, plans should be A3 size and be encapsulated or placed inside plastic wallets so that they can stand up to the rigors of use. They should be stored in a dedicated wall-mounted fire document cabinet adjacent to the main entrance(s) where they can be retrieved by the fire service on their arrival.

Intervention plans will enable the fire service to quickly:

• Study a building’s layout so that they can plan an effective and safe entry and exit strategy
• Locate essential fire service facilities
• Locate essential controls for fire protection equipment
• Locate disabled refuge areas for occupants with mobility, cognitive or sensory impairments or those who require assistance in an evacuation situation.
• Be aware of the nature and location of any special risks to fire service personnel
• Be aware of any weak elements of structure

The following information should be shown on the plans:

• Surrounding streets
• Exits, stairs, corridors, evacuation lifts and any refuges for disabled people
• Escape routes
• Fuel storage areas, gas and oil main controls
• Electrical main and submain controls, including stand-by generators
• Ventilation plant and control switches, including controls for any smoke control system using pressure differentials
• The location of all relevant fire-fighting equipment, including:
  • Sprinkler valves
  • Hose reels
  • Hydrants and wet or dry risers
  • Pump rooms supplying fire protection systems
  • Automatic fire extinguishing systems
  • Foam inlets
• Shutters and doors released automatically in the event of fire, and any central control point for release
• Smoke outlets and control systems
• Openable windows for smoke ventilation in sealed buildings
• Main and any secondary fire alarm panels, and zoning of fire alarm systems
• Fire-fighting stairs and fire-fighting lifts
• Telephone communication points and any fire control centre

The plans should also include:

• A linear scale bar
• The direction of North
• A 'You Are Here' locator

We have unrivalled experience and expertise in the design of emergency plans. Get in touch today for a free consultation and quote if you are considering providing intervention plans for your premises.