The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has recently released new guidance specifically aimed at clarifying the requirements for fire evacuation procedures in reoccupied and partially reoccupied premises during the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance is essential for ensuring the safety of building occupants and understanding how to adapt fire procedures under the new circumstances imposed by the pandemic. As many businesses and organisations navigate a changing landscape, understanding the FIA’s new recommendations has become an important step in maintaining both fire safety and health safety standards.
Understanding the New Guidance from the Fire Industry Association
The FIA Publishes Guidance On COVID-19 Fire Procedures with a clear target audience: responsible persons, fire risk assessors, enforcement authorities, and anyone with duties under national fire safety legislation. This includes those who organise, carry out, or monitor fire evacuation drills. The objective is to ensure that evacuation procedures are adequately rehearsed and understood by all occupants and staff despite the unique challenges introduced by COVID-19.
Under usual circumstances, full evacuation drills are standard practice to keep occupants familiar with emergency protocols. However, the pandemic has made full building evacuations a serious health risk, which has prompted the FIA to offer adapted strategies that balance fire safety with infection control.
The Importance of Fire Evacuation Drills During the Pandemic
Fire evacuation drills remain a vital tool for preparing staff and building occupants. They provide an opportunity for individuals to practise the steps they must take in an emergency—steps that should ideally have been communicated during induction training. Practising these procedures allows organisations to identify and resolve any problems in advance.
That said, fully evacuating buildings simply to conduct drills may expose people to unnecessary risks of contracting COVID-19. Recognising this, the FIA’s guidance provides pragmatic recommendations to modify evacuation drills in line with social distancing and hygiene measures, ensuring drills remain effective while reducing health risks.
Key Areas of Review Highlighted by the FIA Guidance
Fire Wardens
The role of fire wardens is central to effective evacuation procedures. The FIA advises organisations to evaluate whether there are sufficient fire wardens present during all periods of occupancy. Given the fluid nature of office occupancy under COVID-19 restrictions, additional wardens may be needed, or roles may require adjustment to maintain stringent fire safety standards consistently.
Fire Risk Assessments
The guidance stresses the importance of revisiting fire risk assessments to reflect changes in working practices caused by the pandemic. These reviews must consider the new ways in which buildings are occupied, how people move through spaces, and any temporary or permanent alterations to premises. Importantly, the FIA recognises the risks of on-site visits and suggests alternative methods such as electronic transfer of documentation to limit exposure whilst still ensuring thorough assessments.
Considering Building Modifications
Many buildings now incorporate modifications to reduce virus transmission—such as one-way systems, safety screens, and doors propped open to limit touchpoints. The FIA advises a comprehensive review of how these changes affect fire safety:
- Do one-way systems lead occupants away from the nearest fire exit or create potential bottlenecks?
- Are safety screens obstructing fire detectors or fire call points?
- Are fire extinguishers accessible and sufficient in number?
- Are propped-open doors compliant, or should BS 7273-4 compliant hold-open devices be installed instead?
These considerations ensure that COVID-19 safety measures do not inadvertently compromise fire evacuation effectiveness.
The FIA Publishes Guidance On COVID-19 Fire Procedures to provide organisations with a vital resource in these unpredictable times. Maintaining fire safety during the pandemic requires a delicate balance—protecting occupants from both fire risks and potential COVID-19 exposure.
By focusing on key areas such as fire wardens, fire risk assessments, and building modifications, the FIA’s guidance enables businesses to adapt their fire safety procedures responsibly. Conducting well-considered evacuation drills, adjusting staffing levels for fire safety, and reviewing all health-related building changes help ensure that fire safety remains uncompromised.
For organisations seeking expert advice on business fire safety, fire safety training, or installation of fire detection and firefighting equipment, consulting professionals such as RV Fire Systems is a crucial step. Their expertise can support you in implementing the FIA’s guidance correctly and maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Contact RV Fire Systems in Lancashire:
- Clitheroe Fire Alarms:- 01200 439333
- Preston Fire Alarms:- 01772 970411
- Manchester Fire Alarms:- 0161 8260480
- Blackburn Fire Alarms:- 01254 367611
- Blackpool Fire Alarms:- 01253 804199
Your commitment to safety matters, and with the right guidance from the Fire Industry Association, you can face the new normal with confidence.
