Page 16 - food store model (single storey)

Reference Guide Fire Strategy

It should be ensured that unobstructed access is provided to all dampers via an access

hatch located on the appropriate side of the damper to allow routine maintenance.

B4 – External Fire Spread

Approved Document B provides guidance on separation between buildings and boundaries.
The intent of this guidance is to reduce the potential for fire spread between buildings via

both direct flame impingement and radiant heat.

External fire spread conditions should be assessed on a case-by-case basis as these
depend on a number of factors including, though not limited to, the presence of adjacent

buildings and the proximity of the site boundary.

B5 – Access and Facilities for the Fire Service

It is noted that the access and facilities for the Fire Service will vary for each store and will
depend on a number of factors such as vehicle access to the store, situation within larger
building complexes and adjacent tenancies. It is not therefore reasonable to provide

exemplar recommendations, and each store should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

It is noted that a good relationship with the Fire and Rescue Service will have benefits for

both the occupier and the Fire Service. In particular, it will ensure that the Fire and Rescue
Service will have an appropriate pre-determined response strategy for the premises. To
further assist operational crews, drawings containing essential information for firefighting,

such as clear routes through the store and location of any special fire hazards, should be
prepared and stored in a readily accessible location adjacent the main fire alarm panel.

Fire Safety Management

Responsibilities exist for the effective management of retail premises under the Regulatory
Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RR(FS)O) 2005. Under the Order it is the duty of the

responsible person to ensure that ongoing fire risk assessments are undertaken and
periodically reviewed.

Staff members should be provided with fire safety training during induction and be aware of
available escape routes and fire safety provisions. It is the responsibility of Co-op staff to
ensure that premises are evacuated safely in the event of an alarm activation and members

of the public do not re-enter the store until it is deemed safe to do so.

Document Classification Final Document Ref: 3.1-RCS-RHSE-(110)-262 Version 1.1
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