Getting a new building signed off is exciting—whether it’s a home, office, or shop. But before the final thumbs-up, there’s one important area you can't skip over: fire safety. Making sure your building is safe in case of a fire is not just good sense—it’s a legal requirement. To help you out, here are the key fire safety documents you’ll need to get everything approved.
First off, you’ll need a Fire Strategy Report. This is a document that explains how the building has been designed to handle a fire. It covers things like escape routes, fire-resistant walls, smoke control, and how firefighters would access the building. Whether you’re using a system like FireResist or something else, the goal is the same: show that people inside the building will be safe during a fire.
Next, you’ll want a Fire Risk Assessment. This is where someone looks at the building and finds any possible fire risks. It also lists what steps have been taken, or should be taken, to reduce those risks. If the building is going to be used by the public or has more than five people working in it, this document becomes even more important.
Another important one is the Means of Escape Plan. This shows how people can get out of the building quickly and safely if there’s a fire. It should include floor plans showing escape routes, emergency exits, fire doors, and even things like where fire extinguishers are placed.
Don’t forget about the Fire Alarm and Detection System Certificate. This proves that the fire alarm system has been properly installed and tested. Similarly, you’ll need certificates for emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, and other fire-fighting equipment you’ve used.
Lastly, keep all your building’s maintenance records. These show that smoke alarms, fire doors, and other systems are being tested and looked after regularly. This proves you're keeping the building safe even after it’s been signed off.
Getting all this paperwork together might feel like a bit of a task, but it makes a huge difference. Not only do these documents help you pass inspections, but they also keep everyone in the building safer in the long run. So take the time to get them right—it’s worth it.