In the panic and confusion of a fire, clear instructions are essential for saving lives. A Fire Action Plan, often seen on a “Fire Action Notice,” is arguably the most important piece of fire safety signage in any building. It provides the simple, step-by-step instructions that everyone, from employees to visitors, must follow the moment a fire is discovered or an alarm sounds.
Having this plan is not just good practice; it is a legal requirement. At Fire Response UK, we understand that this simple document is the cornerstone of your building’s evacuation strategy. This article explains what information a fire action plan must contain and why it is so critical to your safety.
The Quick Answer
A fire action plan contains the essential, step-by-step instructions for everyone to follow if they discover a fire or hear the alarm. This includes clear instructions on how to raise the alarm (such as operating a break-glass call point), an order to call 999, and a clear identification of the building’s fire assembly point. It also includes vital instructions not to use any lifts and not to stop to collect personal belongings, ensuring a swift and safe evacuation.
Why is a Fire Action Plan a Legal Requirement?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The legal basis for the fire action plan comes from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). This is the primary fire safety legislation in England and Wales. The FSO legally requires a designated ‘Responsible Person’ (such as a business owner or facilities manager) to provide all occupants with clear, simple information and instructions about what to do in the event of a fire. This information is the fire action plan.
The Role of Your Fire Risk Assessment
The plan is not a generic template. It is a direct result of your building’s specific fire risk assessment. Your assessment identifies the unique layout, hazards, and escape routes for your premises. The fire action plan then translates these findings into simple, actionable instructions for everyone to follow, ensuring the procedure is tailored to your specific environment.
Key Information Found on a Fire Action Plan
How to Raise the Alarm
This is the first and most critical action. The plan must clearly state how to activate the fire alarm system. In most buildings, this means instructing people to operate the nearest manual call point, often referred to as a “break glass” unit.
What to Do on Discovering a Fire
This section provides clear, direct instructions. It will always instruct a person who discovers a fire to raise the alarm immediately. It should also clarify the policy on tackling the fire. For most public places, the advice is simply “Do not tackle the fire.” In a trained workplace, it may state that small fires can be tackled only by trained personnel if it is safe to do so.
What to Do on Hearing the Alarm
This is the core evacuation procedure. It must instruct occupants to leave the building immediately and calmly via the nearest signed fire exit route. It will always include two critical negative commands: “Do not stop to collect personal belongings” and “Do not use the lift.”
The Fire Assembly Point
The plan must specify the location of the designated assembly point. This is a pre-determined safe place outside the building, away from any danger, where everyone gathers to be accounted for. The plan must state this location clearly, for example, “The assembly point is in the main car park.”
How to Call the Fire Brigade
The plan must instruct someone to call 999. Even if the alarm system is automated, this action ensures the Fire and Rescue Service is alerted without delay. The plan should also list the full address and postcode of the building to give to the operator. The London Fire Brigade stresses the importance of this call.
Where Should the Plan Be Displayed?
Visibility and Accessibility
A plan is useless if it cannot be seen. Fire action notices must be displayed in prominent positions throughout the building so they are easily visible to everyone. According to guidance from bodies like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this includes locations such as:
Next to every fire alarm call point.
In main corridors and on protected escape routes.
In lift lobbies and by main stairwells.
In communal areas like staff rooms, canteens, or reception desks.
Training and Reviewing Your Plan
More Than Just a Notice
A plan is not just a sign; it is a procedure that must be understood and practised. All staff must receive training on the fire action plan as part of their induction, with regular refresher training and fire drills to ensure everyone remembers what to do. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) provides robust guidance on the importance of staff training.
Keeping it Updated
The fire action plan is a living document. It must be reviewed regularly (at least annually) and immediately updated if there are any changes to the building layout, the risks, the contact details, or the location of the assembly point.
Conclusion
A fire action plan is a simple but vital document that provides clear, life-saving instructions in a high-stress emergency. It is a legal requirement born from the fire risk assessment and forms the core of your building’s evacuation strategy. By ensuring your plan is clear, correct, and highly visible, you provide the essential guidance needed to protect everyone in your building.
