Navigating fire safety challenges in social housing
The landscape of fire safety in social housing is undergoing significant scrutiny says Anthony Walker
Retrospective Fire Strategy
What is a Retrospective Fire Strategy?
A Retrospective Fire Strategy provides a comprehensive assessment of a building’s fire safety measures, comparing them to the fire safety standards in place at the time of construction. It identifies any gaps between the original safety provisions and current, more stringent fire safety regulations. This strategy focuses on key areas such as means of warning and escape, internal and external fire spread, and access and facilities for the fire service.
The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that the building’s fire safety measures were compliant when it was built, offering a clear justification for its original compliance. It also highlights where improvements may be necessary to meet modern fire safety standards, as fire safety legislation evolves over time. Retrospective Fire Strategies are especially useful when requested by fire officers to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations applicable at the time of construction.
Why choose Sircle?
At Sircle, we offer highly experienced fire risk assessors who have extensive knowledge across a wide range of property types. Our multi-disciplinary team brings in-depth expertise to assess and analyse key areas of fire safety, ensuring that we address every aspect of your property’s needs. As a one-stop shop for all surveying services, Sircle provides a comprehensive solution for all your fire safety and compliance requirements.
The Benefits of a Retrospective Fire Strategy
- Support Building Safety Cases
Provides essential documentation to demonstrate compliance with past fire safety standards, supporting building safety cases. - Risk Mitigation and Fire Safety Improvement
Identifies gaps in fire safety, allowing for targeted improvements and reduced risk. - Enhance Compliance Information
Improves the accuracy of compliance records by comparing current measures to past regulations. - Invaluable for Future Fire Risk Assessments
Offers critical data to inform and enhance future fire risk assessments.
Sircle at Work
Examples of Sircle carrying out retrospective fire strategies.
Inspecting a fire door
A Sircle surveyor inspecting a fire door, which is a critical element of a retrospective fire strategy.
Checking width of final exit
A Sircle surveyor carrying out one of the elements of a retrospective fire strategy.
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Your questions answered
What are the key elements that a retrospective fire strategy will cover?
Key elements of a retrospective fire strategy will include, but are not limited to, the below:
• B1 Means of warning and escape
• B2 Internal fire spread (linings)
• B3 Internal fire spread (structure)
• B4 External fire spread
• B5 Access and facilities for the fire service
