Frequently Asked Questions

What does the process of preparing a fire escape plan involve?
At its simplest level, you send us a drawing of the floor layout, and we prepare a compliant fire evacuation plan to the ISO 23601 standard.

Is a site visit required?
A site visit is usually not required where the building is of simple design and you can supply us with accurate architectural, mechanical or engineering drawings that show the floor layout and fire escape routes. For larger buildings with more complex layouts, a site visit is recommended.

What if I don’t have drawings of my building’s layout?
A site survey will generally be required to draw up the plans from scratch. We only provide this service for buildings of simple design, e.g. warehouses, factories, office blocks, apartment complexes, etc. You will require the services of a chartered surveyor for buildings with more complex designs, e.g. hospitals, hotels, shopping centres, etc. These drawings can then be used to prepare fire evacuation plans.

What does a site visit involve?
A site visit will help to accurately determine:

• The means of escape provided, e.g. fire escape routes and final fire exits.
• The location of refuge areas, evacuation aids, and fire assembly points.
• The substantial accuracy of any building drawings you have provided.

Where they are to be included on the plans, a site visit will determine the location of:

• Fire-fighting equipment, e.g. fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, and fire blankets.
• Fire alarm control panel and manual call points (break-glass units)
• First aid equipment
• Other emergency provisions as relevant

What does a site visit to an apartment block involve?
The regulations require a fire escape plan to show the common area escape routes from the back of the apartment entrance door (the point of ‘You Are Here’). They do not require the inside of the apartment to be shown. Therefore access is required to the common area only, and not to the apartment itself.

Where can I find plans of my building?
The local planning authority, the local fire authority, and land registry office may have plans on file that you can access. Architects, consulting engineers, building, fit-out, electrical, HVAC, and other contractors that have provided services for the building may also be able to provide copies of existing plans. Landlords, property agents, or your conveyancing solicitor may also be able to assist.

What if my layout has changed?
A site visit will be required to determine the accuracy of the building plans provided. If minor inaccuracies are observed, we can usually make the necessary corrections dynamically without additional cost. If substantial inaccuracies are found, we will advise you of these and provide a quote to update the plans.

How will I know the number of plans required and their proposed locations?
We will advise you of the number of wall-displayed fire evacuation plans required and their suggested locations based on a review of the building’s layout and the recommendations of ISO 23601.

Can I review the draft plans before they are printed?
We will email the draft the fire evacuation plans to you for review and final approval prior to printing them.